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NSW OysterS

Environmental credentials
Canaries of the waterway
Oysters are considered the canary of the waterway, an excellent indicator of estuary health. Oyster farmers are often the first people to become aware of water quality problems and are often proactive environmentalists. They also self-fund a water quality testing program, contributing valuable scientific data to help monitor the health of the local waterways. 

All oysters are filter-feeders, straining organic material from the surrounding water. They can filter up to 5 litres of water every hour! Oysters are not fed or treated with any chemicals throughout their lifetime. 
The activities of the NSW oyster industry are guided by the Oyster Industry Sustainable Aquaculture Strategy (OISAS). This strategy formalises industry's commitment to environmental sustainable practices and a duty of care for the environment in which the industry operates. Beyond this strategy, many oyster-producing estuaries in NSW have also proactively, and voluntarily, developed Environmental Management Systems (EMS). 

Environmental Management Systems (EMS)
​Oyster farmers require healthy estuaries and clean water to produce quality oysters, and they work hard with government agencies and partners to protect these coastal resources for future generations. South coast oyster farmers in all major farming estuaries have made a commitment to the environmentally sustainable production of oysters and to the ongoing protection of the estuary. 

This commitment is outlined in an Environmental Management System, or EMS. The EMS is a voluntary initiative that highlights improvements that oyster farmers can make to their own operations, as well as how they can drive environmental improvements within the catchment. More background information on EMS can be found here. 

Contact

Andy Myers
E: Andy@oceanwatch.org.au
T: (02) 9660 2262
M: 0488 656 366

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OceanWatch Australia is the National Marine NRM, recognised and supported by the Australian Government through the National Landcare Program.

The NSW Oyster Industry Extension Officer is funded through the NSW Aquaculture Trust and the NSW Landcare Program. The NSW Landcare Program is a partnership between Local Land Services and Landcare NSW Inc. supported by NSW Government.
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  • Oyster Industry Clean-Up Week 2020
  • Oyster Farmers
    • News
    • Innovation
    • Classifieds
    • Spat Availability
    • Employment
    • Theft, Lease Damage, Illegal Sales
    • Key Industry Docs
    • Committees & Associations
    • Discussion Board
    • Environmental Management Systems
    • Research Spotlight
    • Monitoring Programs
    • Data links
    • Grants & Opportunities
    • Contacts
    • NSW Oyster Newsletter
    • 2019 NSW Oyster Conference >
      • Program & Presentations
      • Conference Dinner
      • Exhibitors & Supporters
    • 2017 NSW Oyster Conference
  • Community & Consumers
    • Industry Snapshot
    • Environmental Credentials
    • How can you help?
    • Further Information
    • Sustainable seafood
  • Merchandise