Oceanwatch Australia
  • 2022 NSW Oyster Conference
    • Sponsorship & Trade Displays
    • Program
    • Photo contest
    • Workshop
    • Field Trips
  • Community & Consumers
    • Industry Snapshot
    • Environmental Credentials
    • How can you help?
    • Events calendar
    • Further Information
    • Sustainable seafood
  • Oyster Farmers
    • FLOODS - Recovery of oyster equipment
    • Tide to Tip - Clean-Up Program
    • Innovation
    • Classifieds
    • Spat availability
    • Theft, Lease Damage, Illegal Sales
    • Key Industry Docs
    • Committees & Associations
    • Marketing
    • Discussion Board
    • Environmental Management Systems
    • Research Spotlight
    • Monitoring Programs
    • Grants & Opportunities
    • Contacts
    • NSW Oyster Newsletter
    • 2019 NSW Oyster Conference >
      • Program & Presentations
      • Conference Dinner
      • Exhibitors & Supporters
    • 2017 NSW Oyster Conference
  • OceanWatch Responsible Oyster Farmer Training Program

NSW OysterS

Industry snapshot
NSW oyster industry

  • In 2018-2019, the NSW oyster industry produced about 76 million oysters worth $59 million at the farm gate.
  • There are ~280 oyster farming businesses in NSW, spread across 32 coastal estuaries. 
  • Three species of oysters are grown in NSW, the Sydney rock oyster (Saccostrea glomerata), Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) and the native, flat oyster (Ostrea angasi).
  • The Sydney rock oyster and native flat oyster are endemic to Australia, whilst the Pacific oyster was introduced from Japan in the 1940's. 
  • It can take between 12 months and 4 years for an oyster to grow to a marketable size, depending on the species and growing area. 
  • Oysters are considered the 'canaries of the waterway', a sentinal species and a wonderful indicator of estuary health. 
  • More information can be found in this fact sheet series: Oyster Biology; The History of Oysters; Oyster Funky Facts; Oyster Farming
NSW oyster producing estuaries

How are oysters grown?

Oyster farmers in NSW employ a variety of farming methods in different areas of an estuary. Each method has advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of a particular technique depends on personal preference as well as the location and features of the lease area. A brief overview of different farming methods and stages of production can be found in this fact sheet.  ​

Oyster species
Picture
Sydney rock oysters (Saccostrea glomerata) are endemic to Australia, and are found between Harvey Bay (QLD) and Wingam Inlet (VIC). Sydney rock oysters are farmed extensively throughout NSW, and account for over 90% of oyster production in the state.
Picture
Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) were originally introduced into Australia from Japan, and are now grown in South Australia, Tasmania and in select estuaries in NSW. Pacific oysters grow quicker than Sydney rock oysters, and can reach market size in just 18 months.
Picture
Angasi oysters (also known as native, flat or mud oysters - Ostrea angasi) are endemic to Australia, found across the cooler, southern states. Only a small number of farmers are focused on growing Angasi oysters in Australia, however this number is likely to grow in the future.

Photo gallery

Contact

Laura Stoltenberg
E: Laura@oceanwatch.org.au
M: 0456 935 998

Subscribe to ​NSW oyster newsletter

Subscribe
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 collaboration of Local Land Services and Landcare NSW Inc. supported by the NSW Government.
Picture
  • 2022 NSW Oyster Conference
    • Sponsorship & Trade Displays
    • Program
    • Photo contest
    • Workshop
    • Field Trips
  • Community & Consumers
    • Industry Snapshot
    • Environmental Credentials
    • How can you help?
    • Events calendar
    • Further Information
    • Sustainable seafood
  • Oyster Farmers
    • FLOODS - Recovery of oyster equipment
    • Tide to Tip - Clean-Up Program
    • Innovation
    • Classifieds
    • Spat availability
    • Theft, Lease Damage, Illegal Sales
    • Key Industry Docs
    • Committees & Associations
    • Marketing
    • Discussion Board
    • Environmental Management Systems
    • Research Spotlight
    • Monitoring Programs
    • Grants & Opportunities
    • Contacts
    • NSW Oyster Newsletter
    • 2019 NSW Oyster Conference >
      • Program & Presentations
      • Conference Dinner
      • Exhibitors & Supporters
    • 2017 NSW Oyster Conference
  • OceanWatch Responsible Oyster Farmer Training Program