South Australia's oyster industry is looking to expand into native oyster production.

The industry is now based on farming the imported Pacific oyster, but in the 1800's the native angasi oyster was harvested in Coffin Bay.

President of the state's Oyster Growers Association, Jill Coates, says diversifying back into the native oysters will help protect the industry from disease.

"This is an opportunity for the oyster industry and it does actually risk proof our industry, because any primary industry that is focussed on one species alone is potentially vulnerable - disease and so on is just a fact of life.

The species is a type of flat oyster, which are also grown in Europe and New Zealand, but the angasi is native to South Australia.

Mrs Coates, says there are also plenty of opportunities for breaking into new markets with the angasi oyster.

"There is a worldwide shortage of flat oysters and a great demand for them.

"They are particularly keen on them in Europe, but also the Asian markets are paying very high prices for flat oysters."