It will be a few weeks before the eager oyster lovers of the South Coast hear if the lovable mollusc ‘Jack’ has set the record for the world’s largest oyster.
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The Clyde River oyster was the star of the show at the Narooma Oyster Festival on Saturday, May 5, with crowds keen to get a glimpse and a hold of the mammoth contender.
Narooma vet Kate Le Bars had the honour of recording the official measurements for the Guinness World Records submission.
Jack weighed in at 1.898kg and measured a jaw-dropping 27cm in length, with both measurements to be considered in his push for the world record.
A Pacific oyster from Denmark is the current world record holder, measuring 35.5cm in length and 1.62g when it set the record in 2013. The oyster is believed to more than 20 years old.
It is understood both Jack’s weight and length will be considered in his submission.
Unlike the world record holder which consists of a cluster of five oysters, Jack is a single oyster, believed to be about four years old.
Despite the solid effort, Jack’s owner, Clyde River oyster farmer Bernie Connell, said his specimen had lost 100g during the past week due to considerable handling.
Mr Connell’s care for his specimen was evident when he wheeled Jack to the measuring table in a padded stroller, much to the delight of the crowd.
Fellow Clyde River farmer Martin Jackson brought along a few challengers, none of which were heavier than Jack, although one was slightly longer.
The measurements will now be sent off to London where they will be officially reviewed. Results are expected to be announced in six weeks.
Festival committee chairman Niels Bendixsen hoped the world record attempt would become a regular fixture at the Narooma Oyster Festival.
“It’s only early stages, but with the evident growth potential of these oysters in the Clyde River, the festival committee may consider making an attempt at the world record a regular feature of the festival,” Mr Bendixsen said.
