WEST BARNSTABLE — The state's top shellfish biologist told shellfishermen gathered at Cape Cod Community College on Thursday night that they were victims of their own success.
Oyster harvests have soared as the raw market expanded nationally over the past decade, with the state commercial landings rising from 2.9 million pounds worth $6.9 million in 2010 to 4.1 million pounds worth $11.6 million last year.
Division of Marine Fisheries senior scientist Mike Hickey was explaining that with more on the market each year it was understandable how, while rare, reported illnesses from eating oysters could increase.
Cape aquaculturists and wholesale dealers were told that, in the wake of nine verified cases of Vibrio p. in 2012, measures in the control plan instituted last year would be stepped up and plan coverage would extend from the eight towns along Cape Cod Bay to all 22 coastal communities in the state.
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