Member for Bega Andrew Constance, launched the NSW trial of technology that is destined to change the economics of oyster farming in NSW at Pambula Lake on Monday, September 26.
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The trial, supported by funding from industry, Landcare and the federal government, uses real-time salinity data to reduce unnecessary harvest closures and improve farming productivity.
When it rains, oysters can accumulate contaminants in run-off and the NSW Food Authority shuts harvest areas to protect food safety.
During 2015 the Pambula harvest area was closed for 165 days due to weather which is estimated to cost $1.05million in lost production. Reopening currently relies on meat and water testing which is time-consuming and expensive.
This new trial will see Pambula opening harvesting based on salinity levels, reducing unnecessary closures by up to 30 per cent.
Pambula oyster farmer and coordinator of the Pambula River Shellfish Program, Greg Carton said his fellow oyster farmers realise they are operating in a changing environment and the best way to deal with that is with more information and data.
“Because of this trial I am looking forward to our next closure, and I can honestly say that’s the first time I’ve ever said that,” Mr Carton said.
The technology was developed by AgTech business, The Yield, and has recently been rolled out across 80% of Tasmania’s oyster harvest areas.
Managing director of The Yield, Ros Harvey said the technology is all about helping the oyster farmers eliminate unnecessary closures.
“We want to help you claw back the days, a conservative estimate is that we will be able to give you back around 20 days a year,” Ms Harvey said.
The technology involves two sensors in Pambula Lake which collects salinity data. Each Pambula Lake oyster farmer will download the accompanying app onto their smart phone where they can input and compare data.
With the support of the NSW Food Authority, the trial will bring Pambula into line with international standards used in other states, such as Tasmania, which opens harvesting based on salinity levels.
Mr Constance thanked the oyster farmers for participating in the trial saying “there is no doubt the entire region is benefiting from what the oyster industry is doing”.
“Oystering is a way-of- life along the NSW coast creating an iconic product, jobs, and investment in our communities. This trial shows how Government can work with industry to use technology to cut red tape without reducing the food safety standards critical to our reputation for high quality safe food.”
