The Camden Haven River is located on the mid-north coast of New South Wales near Port Macquarie. The river is home to eight oyster farmers who commercially cultivate stock on over 80 hectares of designated leases. Camden Haven River oyster farmers grow the iconic Sydney Rock Oyster.
Oysters are filter feeders, straining plankton, suspended solids and inorganic particles from the surrounding water. This makes them excellent indicators of estuary health. All farmers in the area abide by a rigorous quality assurance program. The data collected from fortnightly water assessments gives an invaluable record of changing environment conditions and contributes significantly to understanding the waterway and its management.
Camden Haven River oyster farmers have made a commitment to the sustainable production of oysters and to the ongoing protection of the estuary. This commitment is outlined in the Camden Haven River Oyster Farmers Environmental Management System (EMS). It is a voluntary initiative that outlines improvements that oyster farmers can make to their own operations, as well as how they can drive environmental improvements within the catchment.