Pacific oyster

Crassostrea gigas

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What to check for

Location

All areas

Production method

Culture, suspension

Rating summary

Pacific oysters do not require any commercial feed sources as they extract their nutrient requirements from the surrounding water. There are some impacts from farms including sediment changes and shading, which can alter the local environment. There are concerns about the escape and spread of Pacific oysters around UK coasts and the resultant competition, with native species such as oysters, mussels and seagrass beds of most concern. Although regulations are in place to limit environmental impacts, disease spread and control species introduction, Defra are yet to declare a position on whether Pacific oysters are invasive or naturalised. Therefore, regulations are not clear, appropriate or effective when considering ecosystem impacts.This assessment is for uncertified oysters.Rating last updated June 2022.

References

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Pacific oyster
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