WONBOYN, Pambula, Merimbula and Wapengo oyster growers have been working hard to secure their industry’s future by protecting and improving the health of their estuaries.
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To demonstrate their commitment to environmental best practice, local oyster farmers completed an Environmental Management System (EMS) for each of their estuaries in 2010.
Oyster growers on the Clyde meanwhile completed their EMS some years ago, while growers at Tuross and Wagonga inlets are also in the process.
The EMS’s identify environmental risks to oyster farms and the wider catchment that could impact on the estuary and oyster production.
Oyster farmers have been working with Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and their new EMS Implementation Officer to implement their EMS and undertake environmental works.
Southern Rivers CMA chairwoman Pam Green said the CMA, with funding from the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country initiative, provided grants to six Bega coast growers last December to remove tarred and treated timber infrastructure from the estuary.
“A further $440,000 in funding has now been secured through the Caring for our Country initiative to continue to employ oyster industry extension officers to undertake projects that reduce environmental risks in oyster growing areas,” Mrs Green said.
“Individual grants of up to $8,000 are available for growers to make environmental improvements on their oyster farm, shed and lease areas.”
Wapengo oyster farmer Shane Buckley said there is huge benefit in removing old-fashioned tarred sticks and trays that are still used to grow oysters in some areas.
“Water quality is improved by removing toxic chemicals that can leach into the estuary,” Mr Buckley said.
“Using plastic floating baskets instead helps seagrass to recover and improves the aquatic habitat and visual amenity of oyster lease areas.”
Landholders, natural resource management groups and people in any farming industry can also apply for up to $25,000 for works to improve water quality and native vegetation in oyster-growing catchments.
Eligible projects include fencing and revegetating river and creek banks, inter-tidal areas and wildlife corridors; erosion control works; installing off-stream stock watering facilities; effluent reduction; and education and awareness raising activities.
Grant applications close on Thursday, May 31.
Visit www.southern.cma.nsw.gov.au or contact Helen Davies on 6491 8203.