It is said that the Operation Trident includes ongoing covert and overt operations up and down the New South Wales coast, and involves the NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI), the NSW Food Authority and the NSW Police Force. NSW DPI Manager Fisheries Compliance Glenn Tritton informed that Operation Trident is a high tech operation that aims to break up the black market which is responsible for ripping off hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of oysters across NSW each year.
He also told that the authority had some recent success this season with three men apprehended near Limeburners Creek at Port Macquarie last week in possession of 300 oysters allegedly stolen from a commercial growers lease. He added that the men now face various charges which carry maximum fines of up to $11,000 and six months imprisonment.
It is opined that a series of operations will be conducted across the state to coincide with the Christmas New Year holiday period, which is the peak season for seafood and oyster consumption. Reports from oyster farmers indicate that theft numbers are down, thanks to the heightened awareness resulting from Operation Trident.
NSW Farmers Oyster Committee Chair Mark Bulley pointed out that the success of the Operation over the last 18 months. He added that there has been a reduction in the amount of oyster theft as a result of the surveillance and the heightened awareness due to Operation Trident. The NSW Oyster Industry is keen to work in conjunction with the government agencies involved in a combined effort to stamp out oyster theft.
