TIDE TO TIP - WATERWAY CLEAN-UP PROGRAM
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CLEAN-UP GALLERY
BACKGROUND
Oysters are often called the canary in the coal-mine for estuary health, however it is oyster farmers who are truly the eyes and ears of the waterway. Out on their punts every day, these watermen have an intimate knowledge of their local environment and are often the first to report water pollution events and upstream disturbances. With the health of the environment intimately linked with their future income, they also have a vested interest to maintain and improve estuary condition.
For many years oyster farmers have supported community groups to undertake waterway clean-ups, volunteering their equipment and knowledge for the public good. Recognising the capacity of the oyster industry to undertake estuary clean-ups, in 2019 OceanWatch put forward a proposal to mobilise as many farmers as possible to undertake clean-ups in the same fortnight. The response was overwhelming with 240 oyster farmers across 4 states committing to participate in its inaugural year.
The model for a clean-up is easy to replicate and farmers can decide locally what specific day & time would work. Working in partnership with Clean-Up Australia Day, OceanWatch assists with the organisation of waste collection & disposal, provide rubbish bags, gloves, assists with insurance etc.
The initiative, dubbed ‘Tide to Tip’, has also seen oyster farmers partner with commercial fishermen, recreational fishermen, indigenous groups, schools and community groups to add on-ground capacity to the clean-ups. These partnerships have also help oyster farmers to build relationships and social licence with their local community.
The more growing regions we can get on board the better – it becomes a much better story, and one that demonstrates the value that the oyster industry places on a healthy environment. If you’d like your estuary or embayment to get involved please let me know on 0488656366 or email Andy@oceanwatch.org.au.
For many years oyster farmers have supported community groups to undertake waterway clean-ups, volunteering their equipment and knowledge for the public good. Recognising the capacity of the oyster industry to undertake estuary clean-ups, in 2019 OceanWatch put forward a proposal to mobilise as many farmers as possible to undertake clean-ups in the same fortnight. The response was overwhelming with 240 oyster farmers across 4 states committing to participate in its inaugural year.
The model for a clean-up is easy to replicate and farmers can decide locally what specific day & time would work. Working in partnership with Clean-Up Australia Day, OceanWatch assists with the organisation of waste collection & disposal, provide rubbish bags, gloves, assists with insurance etc.
The initiative, dubbed ‘Tide to Tip’, has also seen oyster farmers partner with commercial fishermen, recreational fishermen, indigenous groups, schools and community groups to add on-ground capacity to the clean-ups. These partnerships have also help oyster farmers to build relationships and social licence with their local community.
The more growing regions we can get on board the better – it becomes a much better story, and one that demonstrates the value that the oyster industry places on a healthy environment. If you’d like your estuary or embayment to get involved please let me know on 0488656366 or email Andy@oceanwatch.org.au.
INTRODUCTION & SAFETY VIDEO
Before commencing your clean-up, please:
- Watch the introduction & safety video below
- Read the safety sheet provided in the clean-up pack
- Sign-on as a volunteer
- Consider local conditions & risks, and discuss these with your clean-up coordinator
- Agree on areas to target, how you'll be splitting your resources and how long you'll be out
- Remember to sign-off when you finish up!
Clean-ups in South Australia & Tasmania are coordinated through state industry associations. Please contact the South Australian Oyster Growers Association and Oysters Tasmania for details of clean-ups in these states.
A massive thank you to all participating farmers and community group volunteers. A big thank you also to all partners and funders of this initiative.
