Cornish Fal Rocks - Pacific Oysters (Crassostrea Gigus)
One step forward, two steps backwards...
I have tried my hardest to stay afloat while others have tried to sink me, I am campaigning for a better future for one of the last wild native oyster fisheries, I have been for 10years... now we have a new problem, but the problem is also a food so why destroy when we can produce a food for others... clean waters, positive media, rewards for good work, sustainable fisheries and a viable industry don't always go hand in hand... Please help to come up with a game changer, I have a few ideas but I need a team behind them... and some finance to tackle the mess...
What will your donation contribute to?
Fal Oyster Ltd. t/a Cornish Native Oysters needs to employ staff to keep the momentum going after 10 years campaigning for a fairer industry.
Legal support against pollution in harvesting areas, without compensation!
Fal Oyster Storage Trays are £22.95 each including a divider & lid
Each tray can store 10kg over two layers, 10 x £5pkg = £50.00
Growth of native Fal Oysters has been as high as 50% in six months
Mortality of native Fal Oysters has been as low as 3% in tray studies
Restoration of Shadow, built 1868-70 last sailing fishing fleet
Harvest and eat the invasive oysters, while grading & storing the natives!
27/04 Hand gathered 3000 Fal Rock Oysters in 3 spring low tides...
Sent for testing along with Fal Oysters and Mussels to compare species...
All grade A 130! ie less than 230 MPN/100g
a week later the harvesting area just north was closed due to 9400 MPN/100g!
Continuous depuration of 1500 and a very successful promotional wedding...
25/04/17 Invasive Crassostrea Gigus Oysters
Hand gathering on The River Fal
Following the interview with @BBCRadioCornwall and @BBCSpotlight I have decided to tackle the sudden obundance of Pacific aka Fal Rock Oysters on the Fal by hand Gathering from the intertidal areas where they are at the highest densities*.
Please support me by either placing a pre order for raw, pickled or smoked... or by donating to the massive clean up operation that should start immediately**.
However please note, it is a very fragile Cornish Native aka Fal Oyster fishery and great care must be taken not to disturb the grounds when it's the fertile season.
Where will the money go? Initially to pay the crew so we can harvest for free, then funding towards the rigorous pre-depuration testing and the end product testing. We have a pop up kitchen and bar, so we hope to preserve, pickle and pot the produce for future consumption just like we did years ago... every penny raised will be accounted for... if you are interested in being involved please contact me
I am a Fal Fishery Management Committee member because I am licensed by Cornwall IFCA to gatherer oysters, mussels and other shellfish from the Fal, I provide names for up to three crew allowed to assist me. I provide full traceability through the purification process, I am authorised to to by Cornwall Council, CEFAS, DEFRA and FSA (UKCQ710EC & EW065-V-255A)***
* Density of Fal Oysters are less than 1 per m2, Fal Rocks 30 per m2!
** Sea temperatures above 16c are perfect for the reproduction of all oysters!
*** We know when sewage is still discharged into our estuary and we are not compensated when we close for harvesting!