Operation Trident is an ongoing, multi-phase operation launched to deter oyster thefts and illegal sales in the lead up to Christmas.

But Hastings oyster farmers are asking the community to remain vigilant, as a key part of combating black market seafood trade during the festive season.

Former Port Macquarie oyster farmer and long-time industry advocate, Mark Bulley, was instrumental in the operation’s inception in 2007.

“Back then we were becoming very concerned about the amount of pilfering going on,” Mr Bulley said. “It wasn’t uncommon for thousands of oysters to disappear over the span of a couple of days.”

Since then, the cooperation of the community, police, industry, and NSW Food Authority has seen the problem become much less prolific in the Hastings.

But other areas have been less fortunate.

Department of Primary Industries director of fisheries compliance, Glen Tritton, said more than 2000 oysters had been stolen on the Mid-North Coast in the weeks leading up to Christmas. 

The thefts occurred in areas including the Macleay River and waterways of Foster-Tuncurry.

But enforcement officers, he said, would be on the beat: “in the streets as well as out on the water to protect the valuable crops from illegal fishers”.

Oyster pilfering has long posed a problem, not only to the industry, but to the consumer.

Product sold illegally are often stored in the boot of cars or trucks, raising a number of health concerns.

“That’s one of the biggest problems,” Mr Bulley said. “We don’t want to see anyone come to harm because they’ve saved a few dollars for something that is not reputable.”

The industry spends millions on water quality testing to ensure stringent health and production standards are maintained.

“It’s all part of a very robust process that ensure we track the oyster from paddock to plate,” he said.

Operation Trident includes covert surveillance and overt inspections up and down the NSW coast.

Mr Tritton said it aims: “to disrupt and dismantle a black market which is responsible for ripping off hard-working oyster farmers.”