The Mogo Local Aboriginal Land Council has formed a working partnership with Batemans Bay Local Aboriginal Land Council to tackle the environmental pest.

Under the The Farms for the Future Project, part of the $25 million National Landcare Program investment that Local Land Services is delivering to boost farm gate productivity and improve environmental health across NSW, indigenous rangers from the two Local Aboriginal Land Councils have been employed in an on-going effort to combat marine pests on the South Coast of NSW.

European green shore crabs were introduced in the 1900's, have spread across Southern Australia, and were first found in NSW in the 1970's. 

They are voracious predators and could have large impacts on the oyster industry and native marine ecological communities. Their known predators include octopus and larger fish species. 

Indigenous rangers recently attended a marine pest workshop delivered by researcher Dr Cliff Garside, who provided information on European green shore crab ecology and trapping techniques.

Also attending was Batemans Marine Park area manager Justin Gilligan, who provided information on Batemans Marine Park and Aquatic Biosecurity in NSW.

Interested members from the community also joined the rangers to learn about the importance of protecting the health of local rivers and estuaries. 

Trapping of green shore crabs will continue on a monthly basis throughout the year at Tomakin and Mossy Point.

Work on tackling the European green shore crab is not new and there has been research done by university students in the Narooma area and further down the Far South Coast.

Support from the public is needed to ensure that traps that are not disturbed so the rangers can continue their work in trapping this unwanted marine pest.

This project demonstrates the commitment of agencies, industry and the community to work together and address threats which have significant economic repercussions to the aquaculture industry and indigenous community livelihoods. 

Community members are welcome to participate in ongoing trapping efforts. Contact Mogo LALC on 4474 5229 if interested.