Industry snapshot

NSW oyster industry

• The NSW oyster industry produces about 60 million oysters every year worth $35 million at the farm gate.
• There are ~300 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

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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.  ​

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Oyster species

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.

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.

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.

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