THE Farmers Of The Sea event at d’Albora Marinas last weekend showcased the Port Stephens Oyster Industry as a part of the Love Seafood festival.

Minister for the Hunter Scot MacDonald, and Councillor John Nell participated with others in the celebrity Oyster Shucking competition.

There was plenty of fun and some great prizes for the amateur shucking and the local industry professional oyster shuckers also competed against each other and the clock.

The winners of the shucking competitions were Dean Cole of Cole Bros Oysters in the professional category and John Ridgeway in the Amateur Category.

The winners were presented with their awards by Minister for the Hunter Scot MacDonald.

There was plenty of interest at the various information sessions including the sex life of oysters.

Port Stephens is home to four oyster growing regions, Karuah, Tea Gardens, Tilligerry and Oyster Cove, producing the world famous Sydney Rock Oyster as well as large Pacific Oysters and the Flat Oyster which is endemic to the region.

There is also an oyster hatchery operating on Tomaree headland.

A recent study social and economic impact of aquaculture on the coast has shown how the industry has created jobs and positive economic impact as well as creating a wonderful fishing and lifestyle culture both in commercial and recreational arenas.

The event was a huge success celebrating Port Stephens’ oyster growing industry.

With plenty of locals and visitors lining up to learn how to shuck their own oysters and taking home nets of unopened oysters to enjoy.

 

By Marian SAMPSON