In 2008-09, the aquaculture oyster industry contributed about 92 million Australian dollars (~ 14,000 t) to the Australian economy. To maintain and potentially increase this contribution of the oyster industry to the Australian economy, knowledge needs to be gained regarding the effects of stressors such as disease (e.g. QX or winter mortality), pH (acid sulfate soil leachate), temperature, salinity and contamination caused by oil spills on the animals, as these stressors weaken the oysters, potentially resulting in an increase in their mortality or decrease in their quality. This in turn is directly linked with the economic value of the oysters and the profitability of the industry.

This project is relevant to the "Breeding for profit" Seafood CRC business plan and links with the Seafood CRC research program 1, Genetics theme, application of emerging technologies. Moreover, it is also relevant in regards to the Oyster Consortium goals, which aim to 1) improve breeding strategies to continue lifting the quality of oysters and to 2) increase our understanding of oyster health and its links with the environment.

The project aligns with the NSW Aquaculture Research Advisory Committee goals to:
1. maintain and improve the breeding program to produce oysters that are faster growing, disease resistant and in better condition for marketing.
2. increase the understanding of the QX and winter mortality disease, as well as other parasites and pests.
3. investigate the impacts of the environment on oyster farming.
4. improve the understanding of potential impacts of climate change on oyster farming and to develop strategies to deal with such changes.