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Australia: About 400,000 oysters stolen from New South Wales farm
Herz — World Desk · · 30s summary · 2 min read
The essentials
About 400,000 oysters packed in more than 300 bags were stolen from a farm at Scotts Creek in New South Wales, Australia. Police valued them at A$350,000, or about US$250,000. The young Sydney rock oysters still needed another four to six months of growth before they could be sold. Farmer Ryan Freeman said the theft removed one-third of his farm's stock, which cannot be replaced by Christmas. Police have established a crime scene and are seeking information, surveillance video or dashcam footage as their investigation continues.
- About 400,000 oysters were taken in more than 300 bags.
- Police valued the stolen stock at A$350,000, about US$250,000.
- The oysters needed another four to six months of growth before sale.
- The theft represented one-third of the farm's stock.
- Police are seeking witnesses, surveillance video and dashcam footage.
What is known
About 400,000 oysters in more than 300 bags were stolen from a farm at Scotts Creek, near Taree, Australia. New South Wales Police valued the stock at A$350,000, equivalent to about US$250,000.
New South Wales, commonly abbreviated as NSW, is a state in southeastern Australia, with Sydney as its capital. The theft occurred earlier in 2026 but was not reported until the Tuesday preceding the articles published on August 26, 2026.
According to The Guardian and the South China Morning Post, police established a crime scene and are continuing their investigation. They have asked anyone with information, surveillance video or dashcam footage to come forward.
Oysters still too young to sell
The stolen shellfish were young Sydney rock oysters of cocktail or bistro size. They were not ready for immediate sale and needed another four to six months of growth.
Oyster farmer Ryan Freeman told ABC that the missing oysters accounted for one-third of his farm's stock. The farm will not be able to replace that volume in time for Christmas.
A regional industry already under pressure
An anonymous oyster farmer on the Manning River said floods in 2021 and 2025 destroyed regional stocks. With the farming cycle lasting three years, producers' income could take another two years to stabilize.
The same farmer had bought a fake oyster fitted with a tracker in France for more than A$2,000. The device helped him pursue a thief who received a A$500 fine in 2022.
A species farmed along the NSW coast
Oyster farmer Gary Rodley said the Sydney rock oyster grows only along the New South Wales coast. It accounts for a very small share of global oyster production and remains sought after for its flavor.
Rodley estimated that an adult oyster can be worth A$1.50 to A$2 each. In his view, the age and volume of the stolen shellfish suggest that another producer may have been responsible.
Timeline
- 2021Major floods destroy oyster stocks in the Manning River region.
- 2022A thief tracked using a fake oyster fitted with a locator receives a A$500 fine.
- Further major floods destroy regional oyster stocks.
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