Oyster farmers Ian and Rose Crisp from the Manning River area of NSW, were involved in the citizen science project and say it was a big but worthwhile commitment, particularly now the results are in.
“Anything we can do to extend our harvest time safely, that is more efficient and competitive, then obviously, we want to try it,” says Mr Crisp.
"The project has changed the way we manage our oyster farms. We now use salinity meters to make decisions on whether we work oysters or move oysters into a particular area.
Oyster farmers processed samples as part of citizen science project.
Anthony Zammit, Manager of the Shellfish Program at NSW DPI, says there is no doubt that, outside of extreme weather events, the real-time monitoring system is supporting oyster farmers in their day-to-day farming, reducing operating costs and increasing opportunities to sell.
He attributes the success of the collaboration to Professor Murray’s willingness to conduct research that addresses industry problems and says the project shows the strength of the “tripartite” of researchers, government and industry.
“If you come together in the spirit of collaboration, it works really well. Shauna is now the chair of the NSW Shellfish Committee because the government and industry recognised that she's played this important role.”
Continue reading on Research Impact news: Transforming the oyster industry