Seafood shops and restaurants in Forster, New South Wales, are expecting a boost in oyster supplies this week after two major regional rivers were cleared to reopen for harvesting. The NSW Food Authority gave the green light for commercial oyster picking to resume in the Richmond and Shoalhaven rivers on 4 February 2026. This move follows three weeks of closures due to heavy rain in mid-January, which had caused a shortage of stock across the state.
The rivers were shut down on 14 January 2026 after about 120 mm of rain raised concerns about water safety. Recent tests showed that salinity levels and other water-quality measures have returned to safe standards for consumption, allowing the NSW Food Authority to officially clear the zones for harvest. These safety checks are a standard part of the NSW Shellfish Program to ensure shellfish sold to the public meet food-safety requirements.
While local oyster farms in Wallis Lake have remained open, the regional closures forced many Forster businesses to compete for fewer oysters, leading to higher prices and occasional sell-outs. With the other rivers now back in operation, wholesale costs are expected to fall by an estimated 15–20% by the coming weekend; retailers may pass some of those savings on to customers, which could reduce the retail price for a dozen oysters. This provides relief for local shop owners who have had to rely largely on local stock during the busy summer season.
The MidCoast Council area usually sees high demand for seafood in February, and the extra supply from the reopened rivers will help local cafes and restaurants meet the needs of residents and tourists. Industry observers and the research brief characterise this year’s brief closure as a standard seasonal event compared with much longer shortages seen in previous years; the reopening is expected to support more stable menus through the remainder of the summer, though conditions could change if further weather events occur.
For the latest official harvest-area status, consult the NSW Food Authority’s shellfish status page.
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