Submitted by admin on April 23, 2009 - 01:20
OYSTER, AUCKLAND ROCK
(Crassostrea glomerata).
This is found only in the upper tidal rocky zone of the northern portion of the North Island and at the Chatham Islands. It cements the lower valve of the shell to the rock and, because of its clustering habit, assumes varied shapes. A conspicuous feature is the dark violet edging to the shell. Rock-oyster beds are State owned and operated, and unauthorised persons taking these oysters in any locality are liable to a heavy penalty. The season for the marketing of rock oysters is usually from May to about the end of September.
by Arthur William Baden Powell, Assistant Director, Auckland Institute and Museum.