“Marketing oysters under this overall brand will identify it as a gourmet product grown in one of the most environmentally sustainable oyster growing regions in the world,” Minister Hodgkinson said.
South Coast oyster growers have worked with the Southern River Catchment Management Authority and OceanWatch Australia since 2006 to develop and implement Environmental Management Systems (EMSs) to assist them in providing fresh high quality oysters and increasing their sustainability and profitability.
Australia’s Oyster Coast Executive Officer Andrew Wales said no other region in Australia, and possibly the world, has every estuary operating under such rigorous environmental systems.
“These growers now lead the world in their commitment to environmental sustainability,” Mr Wales said.
“They see that moving to cleaner production methods has a clear marketing advantage.
“Uniting under a single, prestigious brand will promote their product and environmental credentials to Australia and to the world.
“They also see promotion of Australia’s Oyster Coast as a tourist destination attracting domestic and international visitors keen to follow an ‘oyster trail’ along the coast.”
Narooma Oyster Festival spokesperson Cath Peachey says this initiative will benefit the whole south coast.
“We’re excited by the tourism potential of this initiative and delighted the region’s oyster farmers and their premium product will get the recognition they deserve,” she said.
Funding and support for the EMSs’ development and implementation has been provided by the NSW and Australian Governments.
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