The tour was held to coincide with the signing of the Tuross Environmental Management Scheme (EMS), which ensures that oyster farming in Tuross Lake will be done sustainably and cleanly.

Wagonga Inlet's EMS was launched by Federal Member Dr Mike Kelly at the recent Narooma Oyster Festival.

The tour was organised in collaboration with Australia’s Oyster Coast (AOC) and the Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA).

Southern Rivers CMA chairperson Pam Greene presented the agreement to Tuross oyster farmer Graham Campbell, who signed it on behalf of the other oyster farmers.

Every oyster-producing estuary along the South Coast now operates under the scheme, which Mrs Greene noted to be a significant milestone for oyster farming in NSW.

The tour itself saw a group of more than 30 local residents who have properties near or facing onto the inlet, climb into five oyster punts, and travel up the estuary.

The flotilla of punts stopped along the way to learn about historical significance of areas in the inlet, thanks to the expert knowledge of Laurelle Pacey.

Of course there was also detailed explanation and first-hand insight into the process of oyster cultivating by the farmers, as well as CMA representatives Jillian Keating and Andrew Kirkly.

The landowners also learned about the effects that waterfront properties potentially have on the oyster leases, and precautions they may be able to take to ensure the oysters stay healthy and unpolluted.

Rain is a particular problem for oyster farmers, who are forced to close the estuary and stop harvesting the oysters after a rainfall of 50ml or more, as the runoff may contaminate the oysters.

Narooma oyster grower David Maidment said Wagonga was currently closed for another week as that trigger point was reached after the recent rain.

Sample oysters are then sent off to the NSW Food Authority in Sydney where they are tested, and only when the “all clear” is given is harvesting able to resume.

This delay in harvesting causes a dip in profits and can be longer if the oysters test positive to contaminants, Mr Maidment said.

The farmers would have to wait another 10 days to re-test and reaffirm the oyster’s health and his is where landholders’ efforts were was most valuable, he said.

If the correct precautions are made, such as planting native flora along the shoreline and avoiding the use of chemical pollutants, such as fertilizers or septic tanks, the oysters had a better chance of avoiding contamination from onshore run off, he said.

After an interactive lecture from several Narooma oyster famers and the CMA reps, the punts cruised deeper into the estuary until the water became too shallow to continue.

Riding around on punts in rain, wind and shine worked up a collective appetite, and as the groups returned to shore they were met with hot fish and chips from Taylor’s, a perfect end to an educational morning of cruising the inlet and connecting with the local farmers.