New oyster industry strategy

A whole new chapter in the NSW oyster industry has begun with the launch of the Oyster Industry Sustainable Aquaculture Strategy (OISAS).

The strategy is aimed at helping this very valuable and iconic industry develop further.

The overall vision is to achieve the sustainable production of 120,000 bags of premium NSW oyster products for domestic and export markets by 2013.

The Strategy establishes the regulatory environment that will allow the industry to grow to this level within the bounds of ecological sustainability and within the bounds of the current industry footprint. 

OISAS is strongly supported by the oyster industry and is considered a milestone in promoting sustainable oyster aquaculture development for NSW.

The NSW Oyster industry is the state’s oldest and most valuable fishery, producing around 70,000 bags (8 million dozen), estimated to be worth $38 million in farm gate sales per annum and employs around 1600 people in regional areas.

The strategy has been developed, in consultation with the industry, to help it further develop and deal with the potential and existing impacts associated with the rapid development of the NSW coastline.

The strategy identifies priority areas for oyster farming in NSW and seeks to conserve these areas into the future through a range of planning measures including water quality protection.

It simplifies approvals to make it easier for farmers to conduct their business and introduces legislation to protect water quality from new developments. It also establishes a set of industry best practice guidelines and an industry commitment to the principles of ecological sustainable development.