Survey kick-starts DPI’s Oyster Reef Restoration Project
7 Jan 2019
NSW oyster farmers are invited to share their industry knowledge and provide input on oyster reef restoration in an online survey.
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Acting Senior Fisheries Manager, Charlotte Jenkins, said the survey marks the first stage of consultation on the DPI’s Oyster Reef Restoration project.
“We’re reaching out to oyster farmers because they have an extensive knowledge of the estuaries they farm in, and may provide a great insight into the practicality of oyster reef restoration,” Ms Jenkins said.
“The results from this survey will allow DPI to fill knowledge gaps and work more closely with the oyster industry to address any industry-specific issues.
“The NSW DPI Oyster Reef Restoration project is a key management action under the NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy, as it’s widely recognised that the loss of natural oyster reefs is one of the key drivers of the long-term degradation of coastal waterways.
“Oyster reefs provide a wide range of ecosystem services (free benefits) to coastal communities including, the provision of food and protection for a range of fish and other marine creatures, shoreline protection, and water filtration.”
Oyster reefs previously covered vast areas of the intertidal and upper subtidal regions of many estuaries in NSW, however it is estimated that 99% of oyster reefs in Australia are now extinct.
Ms Jenkins said in NSW, small natural oyster populations still exist in most bays and estuaries but at very low densities compared to the pre-European period.
“Unfortunately, oyster reef loss in NSW has occurred due to a combination of factors including historical overfishing, destructive historical harvest practices, water pollution and disease,” she said.
“Oyster reef restoration is one of the suggested mechanisms for restoring estuarine health including improving water quality and boosting fish stocks. Similar restoration projects are underway in Victoria, South Australia and internationally.
“Oyster industry consultation will be an ongoing project activity to ensure all social, economic and environmental factors are considered as the project progresses in NSW.”
The online survey is available here until 5 pm on 28th February.
For more information, visit marine.nsw.gov.au
Media note: Photos and a video is available
Media contact: Lyndall Hilder (02) 6391 3686
