The two other NSW coastal programs; Tide to Table - Hawkesbury and Hunter are a partnership between OceanWatch Australia, NSW Department of Primary Industries, NSW Farmers Association, NSW Food Authority the two Catchment Management Authorities, Hawkesbury Nepean and Hunter Central Rivers and Local Government. Work in these catchments has more of a rural focus looking at increasing the profitability and environmental sustainability of the oyster farms and estuarine and coastal fishing businesses.
The first 15 on ground projects from Round 1 amounted to $378,967 (cash/inkind) being invested locally. While outputs are still being collated the project has shown in a NSW rural environment, what is achievable when land managers take a different tack to help ensure the local oyster and estuarine fishing industry remain productive and able to continue to sell high quality product.
Communication activities conducted during Round 1 included:
Display at Tocal Agricultural Field day
Launch aboard a vessel on the Hawkesbury River with 80 people
2 Local government workshops in Richmond and Port Stephens
Presentation at Shortlands Wetland Centre
Work days at Milsons Passage and Wisemans Ferry on the Hawkesbury
World Wetlands Day activity 08 on Pittwater
Attendance at Hunter Basscatch event on the Williams River
Talking with fishes and Oyster farmers at Crowdy Head, Hawkesbury, Gosford, Taree, Port Stephens, Foster, Newcastle etc and the Co operatives where product is sold
The Tide to Table project provides an effective vehicle for initiating constructive dialogue between land holders and the seafood industry. The ability of Tide to Table to approach environmental issues from an industry perspective is a key factor contributing to the success of the program. Anthony Zammit Manager,NSW Shellfish Program, NSW Food Authority
If your interested in taking part or would like to make a comment please contact Simon Rowe (61) 2 9660 2262.
"It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change." SOURCE: Charles Darwin 1809 - 1882
