OzFish demonstrations a hit at Riverfest

Innovative science-based displays by recreational fishers from OzFish using oysters and vegetation, enthralled locals at Riverfest 2019.

The demonstration highlighted how vegetation in strategic locations can filter unwanted contaminants from entering our waterways.

The Richmond River Chapter of OzFish Unlimited joined community groups and government agencies at Riverfest 2019 on the banks of the Richmond River. Also on display was one of OzFish’s live oyster filtration systems a great visual example which demonstrates the importance of oysters and how they contribute to the health and ecology of waterways. Saltwater tanks with sediment loads showed live oysters filtering from very murky back to entirely clear. Not only that but oysters form a reef with lots of nooks that are home to a mass of smaller marine creatures that are important to estuary health.

Along with other guest speakers in the science marquee, Richmond Chapter President, John Larsson provided an update on the newly discovered Rock Oyster sub-species which is now being propagated throughout the lower Richmond by the group, replacing the well known, but failing, Sydney Rock oyster.

He provided an update on the wild population revival along with the possible return of oyster farms using this new sub-species.

OzFish Unlimited now has 30 Chapters registered across Australia. The Richmond River Chapter was the first established and works with stakeholders throughout the catchment on remediation projects to improve water quality and fish habitat.

If you’d like to know more about the oysters in the Richmond River or how native trees can help fish, give local Chapter President John Larsson a call on 0418 661 467 or drop him a note to ozfish.rich.chap@gmail.com.

If you love fishing the Richmond River and would like to help restore it become an OzFish member or make a donation at your local BCF – Boating Camping Fishing store.