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NSW OysterS

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). 
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:  
  • 2013 - 2015 SOAP Report
  • 2011 - 2013 SOAP Report

Contact

Laura Stoltenberg
E: [email protected]
M: 0456 935 998

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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 collaboration of Local Land Services and Landcare NSW Inc. supported by the NSW Government.
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  • Community & Consumers
    • Industry Snapshot
    • Oyster Finder
    • Environmental Credentials
    • How can you help?
    • Events calendar
    • Further Information
    • Sustainable seafood
  • Oyster Farmers
    • Spat availability
    • Key Industry Docs
    • Tide to Tip - Clean-Up Program
    • Classifieds >
      • For Sale
      • Wanted to buy
      • Suppliers
      • Services
    • Best Practice Video Guidelines
    • Theft, Lease Damage, Illegal Sales
    • Committees & Associations
    • Promotional Material
    • Grants & Opportunities
    • Discussion Board
    • Environmental Management Systems
    • Innovation
    • Research Spotlight
    • Monitoring Programs
    • Contacts
    • NSW Oyster Newsletter
    • 2024 NSW Oyster Conference >
      • Program
      • Exhibitors & Sponsors
      • Conference Dinner
    • 2022 NSW Oyster Conference >
      • Sponsorship & Trade Displays
      • Program
      • Photo contest
      • Workshop
      • Field Trips
    • 2019 NSW Oyster Conference >
      • Program & Presentations
      • Conference Dinner
      • Exhibitors & Supporters
    • 2017 NSW Oyster Conference
  • OceanWatch Responsible Oyster Farmer Training Program