For the past several years, committed recreational fishers from OzFish Unlimited’s Richmond River Chapter, have been working with scientists from the NSW Government and Universities to bring back shellfish to the Richmond River.
The research, underway since 2016, has identified Rock Oysters that are thriving within the Richmond estuary and showing resistance to a fatal oyster disease that could be the breakthrough oyster farmers and the river desperately need.
Healthy oysters for the third year running.
OzFish volunteers have put in hundreds of hours monitoring oysters with the support of NSW Department of Primary Industry – Fisheries, Southern Cross, Macquarie and Griffith Universities.
Shellfish reefs are one of Australia’s most critically endangered marine ecosystems. Natural wild shellfish reefs in the Richmond have sadly disappeared over the past five decades, along with a once thriving oyster industry.
Less than 10% of shellfish reefs remain across Australia.
Australia’s recreational fishing conservation organisation OzFish Unlimited is spearheading the project. CEO and Founder Craig Copeland said that the trial has been very successful so far with less than 5% mortality across the 900-dozen oysters originally received from DPI’s research facility at Port Stephens.
“Our goal is to have native oysters not only survive on the Richmond but thrive as they have for thousands of years,” Mr Copeland .
“Although it’s slow going, these trials are very encouraging and are providing that glimmer of hope that researchers and our volunteers had been seeking with this project.”
OzFish volunteer inspecting the spatfall project.
Research showing a possible new Rock Oyster variation that has proliferated since the almost total disappearance of the native Sydney Rock Oyster (Saccostrea glomerata) within the Richmond estuary is creating interest within the Australian Oyster Industry. OzFish Richmond have logged many volunteer hours in conjunction with Drs Wayne O’Connor, Michael Dove and the team at Fisheries Research, DPI, Port Stephens.
Information on the performance of theses oysters was first made public eighteen months ago and the commercial Oyster industry continues to follow developments.
Dr Carmel McDougal, molecular biologist from Griffith University, recently completed a short sequencing analysis on samples provided from the Richmond. Results showed they are a close match to Sydney Rock Oysters but believes a full extended DNA analysis will show small differences in these oysters. Scientists are hoping this small difference in this Rock
Oyster will be the resilience factor that helps it better survive the widespread Qx disease that regularly decimates sections of the Sydney Rock Oyster industry.
Keen volunteer working with the oysters
Leading the research on-the-ground, OzFish Richmond River Chapter President John Larsson is optimistic.
“We are now almost through our second summer Qx outbreak window and these unknown Rock Oyster variety have survived both summers…We certainly had seen some Qx disease activity last summer and they all survived with little losses”.
Quadrants used to monitor the populations.
With help from oyster growers in the area, OzFish Richmond River volunteers will continue to monitor and experiment with different farming techniques as the oysters grow into their third year.
“Although this current summer we have not witnessed any Qx disease, the Unknown Rock Oyster are showing better survival numbers than most typical industry standards”.
“This is extremely exciting and potentially could be a game changer for the industry and restoration efforts across the country,” stated Mr Larsson.
“It’s also very satisfying to see wild happy oysters doing their ecological jobs along with providing much needed fish habitat here on the Richmond.
OzFish Richmond River is seeking local support to fund a small oyster punt to help support the ongoing research. The punt will be used to work the oysters with different farming techniques and monitor closely during water quality changes. Those looking to support the project can donate online at ozfish.org.au or get involved by getting in touch with the Chapter via 1800 431 308.
