Qualitative risk assessment of effects of farming Sydney Rock Oysters (SRO) on the Tasmanian environment

A qualitative risk assessment of the effects of farming Sydney rock oysters (SRO) on the Tasmanian environment was conducted by the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies at the request of the Tasmanian Government DPIPWE. This risk assessment was based on the following assumptions: (i) it considered ecological risk aspects and some possible harmful social impacts, (ii) SRO broodstock would be sourced only from Tasmanian waters; (iii) SROs would be farmed on existing Pacific oyster (PO) lease sites only. (iv) The risk assessment was conducted in the context of existing PO culture, including area under cultivation and the existence of feral POs. (v) time frame for the risk assessment is the next 20 years.