Now running in its fourth consecutive year, the annual OceanWatch Australia clean-up event involves 19 estuaries from across NSW, and QLD.
NSW DPI Fisheries have been working this month with South East oyster farmers to help clean up these areas sorting, and counting the collected rubbish.
A summary of the waste will be documented and analysed by the Australian Marine Debris Database - a program run by Tangaroa Blue Foundation.
The dates of the events across the South East are, and will be:
Shoalhaven River: Monday, 20th February, 12 noon
Jervis Bay: Friday, 24th February
Clyde River: Wednesday, 22nd February, 10:30am
Tuross Lake: Monday, 13th February, 9am
Wagonga Inlet: Wednesday, 22nd February, 10am
Nelsons Lagoon: Friday 24th February
Wonboyn Lake: Friday 24th February, 9am
OceanWatch say:
Oysters are often called the canary in the coal-mine for estuary health, however it is oyster farmers who are truly the eyes and ears of the waterway.
Out on their punts every day, these watermen have an intimate knowledge of their local environment and are often the first to report water pollution events and upstream disturbances. With the health of the environment intimately linked with their future income, they also have a vested interest to maintain and improve estuary condition.
For many years oyster farmers have supported community groups to undertake waterway clean-ups, volunteering their equipment and knowledge for the public good.
Recognising the capacity of the oyster industry to undertake estuary clean-ups, in 2019 OceanWatch put forward a proposal to mobilise as many farmers as possible to undertake clean-ups in the same fortnight. The response was overwhelming with 240 oyster farmers across 4 states committing to participate in its inaugural year.
The model for a clean-up is easy to replicate and farmers can decide locally what specific day & time would work. Working in partnership with Clean-Up Australia Day, OceanWatch assists with the organisation of waste collection & disposal, provide rubbish bags, gloves, assists with insurance etc.
The initiative, dubbed ‘Tide to Tip’, has also seen oyster farmers partner with commercial fishermen, recreational fishermen, indigenous groups, schools and community groups to add on-ground capacity to the clean-ups. These partnerships have also help oyster farmers to build relationships and social licence with their local community.
The more growing regions we can get on board the better – it becomes a much better story, and one that demonstrates the value that the oyster industry places on a healthy environment. If you’d like your estuary or embayment to get involved please let me know on 0488656366 or email Andy@oceanwatch.org.au.
DPI Fisheries encourages all water users to dispose of rubbish and discarded or unwanted gear appropriately and responsibly.
For more information on Tide-to-Tip and these upcoming events please visit Ocean Watch website - https://www.nswoysters.com.au/clean-ups.html.
Below some of the teams from Tuross Lake, Shoalhaven and The Clyde River
Photos courtesy of www.oceanwatch.com.au
