Aquaculture New Zealand says a virus that has killed thousands of juvenile oysters could cost the industry up to $15 million.
An oyster herpes virus - which was first identified in New Zealand 20 years ago - occurred in North Island oyster farms during the long warm autumn last year and struck again in spring.
Tom Hollings of Aquaculture NZ says the industry's worth about $30 milion per year to the national economy and marine farmers estimate they've lost up to half their crop.
He says they may be able to make up some of those losses by
careful management.
Mr Hollings says the virus has no effect on the adult oysters, which remain safe to eat, but the retail price may rise - because of the smaller harvest.
