Oyster Growers Strategies

In early November 2005, PIRSA Aquaculture posted out letters and guidelines to all aquaculture licence holders requesting strategies for the "escape of stock" and "interactions with seabirds and large marine vertebrates" as required by the Aquaculture Regulations 2005.

The initial guidelines issued by PIRSA Aquaculture were largely focussed on farming practices employed by the finfish industry.  PIRSA Aquaculture has now developed guide templates for oyster growers and you will note there are some items where figures (depending on individual farming practices) need to be inserted, in addition to the inclusion of a licence number(s) and signature of the licensee (which can be a director of the licensed company).  Importantly this is a guide only, and you may change items dependent on your farming practices.

Strategy Relating to Escape of Stock (Oysters) (.PDF) 24KB

Strategy Relating to Interactions with Seabirds and Large Marine Vertebrates (.PDF) 24KB

If licensees do not provide a draft strategy by 31 December 2005, an expiation fee of $315 may be issued (one per licence).

While a strategy is required for every licence (regardless of structures on site), one strategy may cover several licences, however each licence number must be nominated on the strategy and the licensee must ensure that actions contained within the strategy are adhered to.  Should different farming practices be used on different licence sites, it is recommended that you adjust your strategy to suit each licence site.

Provided the Minister is satisfied a strategy is adequate licensees are only required to provide the strategy once.  If the Minister requires amendment of a strategy, he may do so by giving written notice to a licence holder.  If you wish to change your farming practices and your existing strategy will no longer apply, a new strategy will need to be approved by the Minister.  In future, this strategy will be requested as part of the application process.

Contact Details

For more information on these strategies, please contact:

Karen Lee
Coordinator, Lease & Licence Standards
PIRSA Aquaculture
lee.karen@saugov.sa.gov.au
Phone: (08) 8226 2253
Fax: (08) 8226 0330