The UK shellfish industry faces challenges amid rising oyster demand due to Brexit restrictions and regulatory hurdles that hinder expansion and restocking efforts.
David Jarrad expressed concerns that government policies are detrimental to the industry, stating, 'this coming year, it's unlikely that farms will be able to restock.' He emphasized the need for a policy change to support the growing popularity of oysters.
Historically, oysters were abundant in the UK; Charles Dickens noted in 1837 that one could find an oyster stall for every half-dozen houses. This changed drastically due to overfishing and disease.
The introduction of the Pacific rock oyster has helped boost oyster stocks, as they are hardier and can reproduce faster than the native species. However, stringent regulations may jeopardize this boom.
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