OYSTER shucking is set to become easier if an investigation to use lasers and robotics to open and reseal the saltwater creatures is successful.

The Coalition Government has provided a $236,000 boost to the investigation by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation.

Visiting the Fish Factory in Adelaide, Federal Agricultural Assistant Minister Anne Ruston said the project had the potential to change the future of oyster shucking.

“The project aims to use robotic and laser vision technology to design an automatic commercial-scale system for shucking and resealing oysters,” Ms Ruston said.

“These innovative systems will enable easily-opened, whole live oysters to be sold with attractive labelling about their origin.

“It has the potential to transform the current approach to oyster retailing and could lead to growth in the value, and ultimately, the volume of oyster production in South Australia, Tasmania and New South Wales.”

The grant was included in round two of the Coalition’s Rural Research and Development for Profit program, which aims to improve farm-gate productivity and profitability.

The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation will match the funding.