POMS was first detected in Tasmanian waters in January and affected about 25 per cent of the state’s total oyster crop. About 30 per cent of the harvest was still in the water and of that 30 per cent 70 per cent were struck down by the virus. Hallams Waterfront seafood restaurant serves upwards of 25 dozen oysters per day for its customers and owner Salisbury Hallam said initially there was some concern that they would not be able to meet demand.

However he praised the efforts of his supplier Kyeema who were able to stay two steps ahead of the virus. 

“We were able to source them from other areas, like Bruny Island, so there was never a day that we went without oysters.”

Mr Hallam said the oysters remained great quality and encouraged people to continue to enjoy them.

POMS is not harmful to humans.

“Don’t be afraid, come down and enjoy them,” he said.

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Mr Hallam said he believed there was some misconception among customers that the oysters were not good or able to be eaten.

“We had probably half a dozen inquiries but there wasn’t anyone who didn’t eat them,” he said.

He said the oysters were really great quality and before the the virus was detected the season was on track to be one of the best.

“The colder months usually do work in our favour, but they have been really good this year,” he said.

Easter demand was also met with ease this year, despite the virus, which is the busiest weekend of the year for Hallams.

“We do a full week’s trading in one weekend at Easter but we didn’t have any trouble this year,” he said.

He said it was the hard work of Kyeema that kept them with plenty of oysters to spare.

“One week I think one of the guys even drove to Bruny to get our oysters, we couldn’t have done it without them.”