Monitoring programs
Sustainable Oyster Assessment Program
The Sustainable Oyster Assessment Program (SOAP) was established on the NSW south coast to gather information on the productive capacity of oyster growing areas, help monitor catchment health and assist growers to forecast their profitability.
Set up in 2011 the program provided essential baseline data on oyster performance in 7 estuaries. Set up by Ana Rubio and Southern Rivers CMA (now South East LLS) growth and mortalities were measured using commercial automated grading machines. The effect of different growing methods and stocking densities were assessed, and oyster performance was linked to environmental data including water quality (temperature & salinity) and food availability (phytoplankton).
Set up in 2011 the program provided essential baseline data on oyster performance in 7 estuaries. Set up by Ana Rubio and Southern Rivers CMA (now South East LLS) growth and mortalities were measured using commercial automated grading machines. The effect of different growing methods and stocking densities were assessed, and oyster performance was linked to environmental data including water quality (temperature & salinity) and food availability (phytoplankton).
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Key benefits
Maximising oyster performance and profitability - Data gained through the monitoring program assists growers to understand the differences in oyster performance across different growing areas and cultivation methods. They can then make informed business decisions and refine husbandry techniques, select priority lease areas according to performance and improve production levels. Tailoring operations to localised environmental conditions - By taking advantage of localised environmental conditions favourable to stronger oyster performance (higher growth and reduced mortality) growers can improve their profitability. Adapting to unexpected environmental events - Through greater understanding of the drivers affecting oyster performance, industry is in a better position to respond to unexpected events and develop diverse adaptation options. |
Funding for the program ceased in 2015, however the methodology to monitor growth and mortality can be taken on by interested farmers with access to an automated grading machine. The methods are outlined in the reports below:
