Oyster farmers adopt environmental system

A new environmental management system has been introduced to increase the sustainability of the oyster industry around Broken Bay.

Announcing the new system, the Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Dr Mike Kelly said the move for it began when the future of the oyster industry was threatened several years ago.

"Sydney rock oysters and four years of stock in the Hawkesbury River were largely destroyed by a parasite in 2004," Dr Kelly said.

"Since then, the farmers have partnered with a number of organisations including the Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment Management Authority and OceanWatch Australia to remove run-down oyster infrastructure and to provide advice to land managers on how to improve practices to help protect the marine environment.

"Farmers are actively working to make the industry more sustainable and supply safe oysters to consumers."

Dr Kelly said he had met with members of the Broken Bay Oyster Association, a group of oyster farmers based in the Hawkesbury River who were committed to providing fresh and high quality oysters to consumers by using the system.

Media Release, 14 April 2011 Elyse Gatt, AFFA Media