The Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) is partnering with Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) to develop a native oyster industry on the Gippsland Lakes.
Four trial sites in waterways surrounding the Lakes Entrance area are currently being installed with trial aquaculture infrastructure and oysters.
The partnership involves investment and support for a production trial for native oysters in the Gippsland Lakes. The Victorian Fisheries Authority will invest $40,000 into the trial, to be matched by GLaWAC.
It is envisaged GLaWAC will start a commercial aquaculture operation at the selected trial sites, which may be with an existing industry partner.
The trial will be limited to Sydney rock oysters, after initial plans to trial both angasi and Sydney rock oysters was deferred. Both oyster species are abundant and native to the Gippsland Lakes system.
IMAGE: Craig Ingram (Victorian Fisheries Authority), Thomas Hood (GLaWAC Country crew), Sonya Kilkenny MP, Katherine Mullett (GM On – Country GLaWAC) and Grattan Mullett (GM Culture – GLaWAC) launching trial oyster sites in Lakes Entrance yesterday.
