Reliable sources in the industry, which operates mostly from Walvis Bay, told The Namibian that the industry was "extremely adversely" affected by the red tide, although not to the point of collapse.

According to the sources, oyster farmers were hit three-fold over the past six weeks.

First, climatic fluctuations caused the sea temperature to increase above the culture limit of about 18 degrees Celsius.

Temperatures reached as high as 25 degrees, which was ideal for algae to bloom.

This bloom produced huge amounts of oxygen during the day, while at night the algae used up all the oxygen and produced carbon dioxide.

Oysters and other marine creatures experienced much stress due to the extreme fluctuations.

Then the algae self-destructed, and because of the magnitude of the bloom, large quantities of sulphide were released in the water, adding to the stress of sea creatures because oxygen levels were reduced to zero.

Finally, bacteria attacked and fed off the suffering creatures.

The result: empty oyster shells.

Similar events took place in June 2006 and December 2005, according to the sources, although this was the worst red tide in 50 years.

"We were kicked while being down.

When a farmer goes out to collect his oysters and finds them all dead, he is traumatised.

It's a bad thing that happened," a source stated.

The industry, which brought in roughly N$35 million last year, suffered a major financial blow, although farmers remain confident that they will recover.

The event also had its benefits.

It has forced the industry to work together and lay down a preventive strategy that would help them deal with future similar events.

"We'll never be able to beat nature, but we will be able to put in place measures to avoid massive losses like this one," one oyster farmer commented.

"We may not have been watching out properly; now we'll be diligent to look out for the tell-tale signs."

The sources said this year would have been a "bumper year" for oyster production and export if it were not for the red tide.

Now production has been set back by up to six months, while market expansion to the Far East could take up to a year before local exporters can recover.

"We will have to reconsolidate our current clients before we start expanding our market range.

We have notified out clients of the current situation.

They've been quite sympathetic with the industry though," the source said.

The industry has enormous potential, and is recognised as the pioneer of aquaculture in Namibia.

Besides bringing a fairly lucrative income to the local economy, it also currently provides up to 300 jobs.

There is no threat of job losses at this stage, the industry sources said, and no appeal for financial support from Government will be made until the full extent of the damage and the estimated recovery time can be evaluated.

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