Oyster farmer defends himself against claims

THE man at the helm of Port Navas' oyster farm has hit back at claims it is damaging the area.

Ben Wright makes “no apology” for work carried out to bring the Duchy Oyster Farm out of decline.

Since he took over in 2005 criticism has been levied about various working practices, including use of the quay for storage, larger dredging boats and access to the water.

Some residents claim it is no longer a farm, but a factory and is now too big for the village.

Mr Wright said: “It was a sleepy oyster farm for too long and we nearly lost this great oysterage forever out of neglect.

“I make no apologies for bringing it sharply out of its slumber.”

In addition to native oysters, pacific oysters are brought in for processing. The farm was awarded £240,000 from the Marine Fisheries Agency, but this has yet to be paid.

A spokesman for the agency said: “There are two issues outstanding and discussions are taking place to resolve them.

“The farm has to comply with conditions set by Natural England on the types of oyster grown and these do not pose a threat to habitat.”

Natural England confirmed they asked the agency to withhold funding until “an appropriate assessment” on the impact of the farm's activities has taken place.

Mr Wright argues the situation is not straightforward, and he has only just been issued with the offer and a list of conditions. “I have invested considerable time and effort over the last three years conducting a very open and cooperative dialogue with Natural England and agreeing ways forward in order to assess and minimise risks,” he said.

He added: “As a shellfish farmer, my livelihood depends entirely on the health and cleanliness of the river.

“That is why so much of our work revolves around shellfish movement controls, management plans and water quality initiatives.

“Any degradation in water quality or the environment we manager could lead to the closure of the fishery and my business.”

Two residents, Geoff Croft and David Burke failed to buy the farm in 2005 when it was offered under public tender by the Duchy of Cornwall.

They claim what is taking place now is not supported by residents.

Mr Croft said: “It is now an oyster factory not a farm.

“It is too large for a little residential area.”

Mr Burke said: “There are not many local oysters so they are bringing them in by road for processing on the farm.

“If he wants to process shellfish that should be on an industrial estate.”

County councillor Neil Hatton said he felt there was a lack of communication which had caused a lot of friction.

Mr Wright added: “There is a lot of positive change here. We have many positive impacts on the community and the environment.”