Best practices in oyster aquaculture

The NSW Oyster Industry Sustainable Aquaculture Strategy outlines actions oyster farmers should take to help protect seagrass.

Overall, this strategy gives oyster farmers a framework for sustainable oyster farming in NSW that includes actions to:

• protect the natural environment
• allow for the needs of other user groups
• optimise farming efficiency.

Research is being done on the interaction between various types of oyster farming infrastructure and seagrass. The results will give NSW oyster farmers the most effective and practical information to protect seagrass in their day-to-day activities.

Development of sustainable techniques and reducing environmental impacts on seagrass will:

• meet growing demands for oysters
• protect seagrass as habitat for fish and other aquatic animals and plants
• reduce erosion and improve water quality
• protect seagrass communities as a food source for fish and other aquatic fauna.

Port Stephens

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI)

University of New South Wales

NSW Oyster Industry Sustainable Aquaculture Strategy Third Edition 2016