We have fostered a prosperous, vibrant community for present and future generations within the Oyster Harbour Catchment through natural resource management for more than 30 years.
Oyster Harbour catchment covers 3,000 square kilometers and stretches from Albany in the south to Tenterden in the north. It contains some of the Great Southern's best natural assets.
As an organisation we coordinate many native and agricultural management projects: increasing awareness, encouraging best practices for all land uses, carry out landscape scale on-ground works and collaborate with others through out the community.
As an organisation we coordinate many native and agricultural management projects: increasing awareness, encouraging best practices for all land uses, carry out landscape scale on-ground works and collaborate with others through out the community.
Up-coming Events
|
|
Engage with us online by liking and following us on social media or joining or email list.
Some Recent Stories
|
Vertical Divider
2021 Albany Show We had a blast at this year's Albany Agricultural Show. We had a steady flow of people attending our display, with many kids eager to play with our catchment model shooting down feral animals and seeing how water flows through the landscape. They were then awarded the chance to play the "taste-test" lolly game. This game demonstrates the importance of having diverse bushland for native animals versus it being weed infected. While the kids were busy with the games there was plenty of information for the adults to read up on and posters illustrating the wide variety of activities Oyster Harbour Catchment Group carries out and members can be involved with. This lead to many interesting talks and even a couple of new members. Welcome on board!
We had a few new additions to the display: a farm planning whiteboard, an example of DIY soil testing equipment and a new possum pal. In particular, the possum puppet (that was donated to us) and Bruce's corresponding squeaky voice was a new crowd favourite. It got a lot of laughs, helping us with the display helping to teach the younger kids about Ringtail possums and feral animals. We were thankful that we could participate in such a great show, that everyone seemed to enjoy our stall and are really proud of receiving the best community group stall of 2021. 
Oyster Harbour Bivalve Research Project UWA Albany,Winter weather conditions delayed the first round of sampling but the first of the potential bivalve food sources were collected in August. We scraped the sediment for benthic algae, collected periphyton (algae growing on rocks and other hard surfaces) and sampled water from around Oyster Harbour as well as from the lower reaches of the Kalgan and King Rivers and Yakamia Creek. Using stable isotope analysis, these samples will give us an indication of the range of ‘stable isotope signatures’ of different foods that shellfish in the estuary might be consuming. After collecting potential foods, it was time to hunt for cockles. With the help of a number of volunteers, we covered eight sites in Oyster Harbour and two in Princess Royal Harbour over six days in September. Sometimes it took a lot of digging and sieving but we managed to reach our sample quota (a minimum of 15 individuals) at every site, except the mouth of the Kalgan River where we only found aquatic snails and two pippis. Afternoon low tides gave us access to the flats for cockle collecting and meant some of us caught some spectacular sunsets. Other days felt like a battle with the elements. At Emu Point, Kathy and Ben (who have been amazing, regular volunteers) braved almost howling wind and rain that felt like hail (and maybe was hail!). The wind tipped over our floating bucket twice and we had to chase down a small mess of escaped equipment. It was a field lesson learned. After that day the rule is to always have a weight in the bucket to keep it steady whatever the conditions. Research always includes challenges and discovery. We found our target species Katelysia scalarina wasn’t at every site, however other species (Katelysia rhytiphora and Katelysia peronii) were. Finding Katelysia throughout the estuary confirms the genus has potential as a bioindicator for estuary health in Oyster Harbour. The genus is found across southern Australia in sheltered bays so it may also prove useful in other regions, depending on our results. Distinguishing Katelysia species can be difficult, so we’ve enlisted the help of Dr. Lisa Kirkendale from the WA Museum to help us with identification. Dr. Kirkendale is the head of Aquatic Zoology and a mollusc specialist. With her support, shells and genetic material from our sampled cockles will be added to the museum’s collection of bivalve material. The project has earned additional recognition and backing in the last few weeks. I’m happy, humble and grateful to have been awarded the Keith Sheard travel prize for UWA marine biology honours for semester 2, 2021. This will give me the opportunity to stay on campus and make the most of my time at the West Australian Biogeochemistry Centre where I will be preparing samples for stable isotope analysis. Travelling to Perth will give me to the opportunity to meet Dr. Kirkendale and other Perth-based specialists and academics in person. Some of our samples have now been analysed and I’m excited to see the data come through. Our initial stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of particulate organic matter (POM) from filtered water samples shows terrestrial or riverine POM (Kalgan River, King River and Yakamia Creek) and marine POM (Emu Point) have distinct ‘signatures’ (see figure below). The grouping of values for the northern, eastern and western sites suggests currents are affecting the mixing of POM in the estuary. Still, these are only our very first results and the picture may change with more data. More than ever, I am now looking forward to starting my full analysis once the summer round of samples is completed. During the last months of 2021, I’ll be preparing more samples stable isotope analysis. This means dissecting cockles, drying gill and muscle tissues and cleaning and drying the other potential bivalve foods we collected. The summer round of fieldwork is scheduled for January and February so I’ll be preparing for that as well. It feels like 2022 is just around the corner. Onward and upward! Sonja Pascho - Progress report, Nov 2021 This project is supported by the Oyster Harbour Catchment Group, the Jock Clough Marine Foundation, the Arjen Ryder Scholarship, GSDC NRM Sustainability Scholarship, Destinations Australia Scholarship and Keith Sheard Travel Award. Thanks to additional supporters: Albany Shellfish Hatchery, the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (Albany), Dr. Lisa Kirkendale (WA Museum), Tracey Brothers (Albany Senior High School), Geoff Bastyan (Environmental Consultant), Dave Tunbridge (Scientific Officer, UWA) and many wonderful volunteers. Project supervisors: Greg Skrzypek and Harriet Paterson This work, including images, is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ |
|
Kalgan Queen Cruise
and Annual General Meeting
It was the perfect way to spend the morning boarding the Kalgan Queen with the Oyster Harbour Catchment team inviting collaborators in discussions and reflection on the health of the Oyster Harbour.
Firstly we set sail to the mouth of Yakamia creek where Natalie Reeves (South Coast Natural Resource Management) gave a summary of the problematic creek line and the implementation of her project putting into action a community awareness program for the coming year. If you would like to be involved, please contact Natalie via email: natalier@southcoastnrm.com.au. This then led to a general conversation on monitoring of the Yakamia creek and Yakamia sewage facility with recent contamination issues.
Passing Green Island and heading to the Leeuwin Coast Oyster farm Geoff Bastyan explained the early trials and of planting Seagrass in the mid-1990s with the broad-scale recovery seeming to be well underway into the future. There is no doubt the labour of passion and determination Geoff. These early works must be recognized for the current aquaculture activities now taking place in the Oyster Harbour. Acknowledging the collaborative effort OHCG, Government, Community and Groups in the catchment assisting with improved heath of Oyster Harbour for over 30 years.
Kim Walsh (DPIRD) covered the ‘Albany Aquaculture Development Zone’ with the consultation of WA’s aquaculture industry and key stakeholders identifying suitable areas for shellfish farming in Oyster Habour with actives within the zone, benefits to community and region and management and practices established to ensure the industry remains environmentally sustainable. For frequently asked questions go to: http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/Documents/Aquaculture/Albany Aquaculture Development Zone FAQs.pdf
Jude Tyzack: Projects & Community Engagement Officer office for Leeuwin Coast) explaining the befits of new technologies in the development of the new Oyster lines with the wide spacing not only increase yield but the added befit to the fishery and water quality, positioning of the lines and the movement of lines decreasing the shadowing effect on Seagrass. Removal of all treated pine poles from the previously acquired holdings had been completed and upgraded. Leeuwin Coast is excited about the role the oyster lines will play in encouraging fish species back into the area as has occurred in other sites around the world with local anglers already trying their luck in between the lines. The Leeuwin Coast team has been assisting with several cleanups along beaches and other hot spots.
Brue Radys delivered the good news that the declining water quality from the late 1970s and 80s had significantly improved and seagrass recovery was remarkable. This was largely due to a decrease in nutrient runoffs. Although monitoring of the catchment is critical to the future of the health of the catchment the full report can be accessed by this link: https://www.wa.gov.au/government/publications/oyster-harbour-miaritch-condition-of-the-estuary-2016-19
Nikoli Sykora from the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation for the planning of intensive industries.
Before heading back to mooning a pleasant cruise up to the Kalgan Bridge drinking Tea or Coffee and eating damper with Captain Bruce taking over steering the boat. It's fair to say all had a very educational and pleasant morning on the Oyster Harbour and Kalgan River.
An enormous thank you to, stakeholders and presenters that joined the cruise, the productive conversations that followed all with a common goal ‘The Health of Oyster Harbour and Catchment’.
The best in the world and Oyster Harbour is ours to take care of!
Firstly we set sail to the mouth of Yakamia creek where Natalie Reeves (South Coast Natural Resource Management) gave a summary of the problematic creek line and the implementation of her project putting into action a community awareness program for the coming year. If you would like to be involved, please contact Natalie via email: natalier@southcoastnrm.com.au. This then led to a general conversation on monitoring of the Yakamia creek and Yakamia sewage facility with recent contamination issues.
Passing Green Island and heading to the Leeuwin Coast Oyster farm Geoff Bastyan explained the early trials and of planting Seagrass in the mid-1990s with the broad-scale recovery seeming to be well underway into the future. There is no doubt the labour of passion and determination Geoff. These early works must be recognized for the current aquaculture activities now taking place in the Oyster Harbour. Acknowledging the collaborative effort OHCG, Government, Community and Groups in the catchment assisting with improved heath of Oyster Harbour for over 30 years.
Kim Walsh (DPIRD) covered the ‘Albany Aquaculture Development Zone’ with the consultation of WA’s aquaculture industry and key stakeholders identifying suitable areas for shellfish farming in Oyster Habour with actives within the zone, benefits to community and region and management and practices established to ensure the industry remains environmentally sustainable. For frequently asked questions go to: http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/Documents/Aquaculture/Albany Aquaculture Development Zone FAQs.pdf
Jude Tyzack: Projects & Community Engagement Officer office for Leeuwin Coast) explaining the befits of new technologies in the development of the new Oyster lines with the wide spacing not only increase yield but the added befit to the fishery and water quality, positioning of the lines and the movement of lines decreasing the shadowing effect on Seagrass. Removal of all treated pine poles from the previously acquired holdings had been completed and upgraded. Leeuwin Coast is excited about the role the oyster lines will play in encouraging fish species back into the area as has occurred in other sites around the world with local anglers already trying their luck in between the lines. The Leeuwin Coast team has been assisting with several cleanups along beaches and other hot spots.
Brue Radys delivered the good news that the declining water quality from the late 1970s and 80s had significantly improved and seagrass recovery was remarkable. This was largely due to a decrease in nutrient runoffs. Although monitoring of the catchment is critical to the future of the health of the catchment the full report can be accessed by this link: https://www.wa.gov.au/government/publications/oyster-harbour-miaritch-condition-of-the-estuary-2016-19
Nikoli Sykora from the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation for the planning of intensive industries.
Before heading back to mooning a pleasant cruise up to the Kalgan Bridge drinking Tea or Coffee and eating damper with Captain Bruce taking over steering the boat. It's fair to say all had a very educational and pleasant morning on the Oyster Harbour and Kalgan River.
An enormous thank you to, stakeholders and presenters that joined the cruise, the productive conversations that followed all with a common goal ‘The Health of Oyster Harbour and Catchment’.
The best in the world and Oyster Harbour is ours to take care of!
History of Working Together
Together Contributing to a more Prosperous and Sustainable Catchment
My beautiful archive and discovery team have been amazing and a lot of fun to work with. We have gone through 25 governance and project files so far learning something new every day.
For example, did you know there were original 12 land catchment volunteer committees looking after different sub-catchments within the Oyster Harbour Catchment? In a way, it's a bit sad that we now only have one but hopefully, all those people would be proud of the work Oyster Harbour Catchment group continues to do. We always have room for more committee members if you want to make sure your sub-catchment is getting looked after.
On the brighter side, there are many familiar names within the documents that we still see as passionate as ever within the Landcare space. Heather Adams: OHCG current chair, Bruce Radys: OHCG current senior project officer and Johanna Tomlinson; Current SCNRM Operations Officer and OHCG member as young project officers are always fun names to find. I also recently found my grand dad: Tony Kelly name in some 1998-2000 pasture trails and remnant vegetation fencing on his/ now uncle's farm in Kendenup.
If you have any free time, are interested in history or just want to hang out with some great people please contact me Sayah at communications@ohcg.org.au and join the Archive and discovery team.
Taking Past Learnings into the Future is supported by funding from the Western Australian Government’s State NRM Program.
My beautiful archive and discovery team have been amazing and a lot of fun to work with. We have gone through 25 governance and project files so far learning something new every day.
For example, did you know there were original 12 land catchment volunteer committees looking after different sub-catchments within the Oyster Harbour Catchment? In a way, it's a bit sad that we now only have one but hopefully, all those people would be proud of the work Oyster Harbour Catchment group continues to do. We always have room for more committee members if you want to make sure your sub-catchment is getting looked after.
On the brighter side, there are many familiar names within the documents that we still see as passionate as ever within the Landcare space. Heather Adams: OHCG current chair, Bruce Radys: OHCG current senior project officer and Johanna Tomlinson; Current SCNRM Operations Officer and OHCG member as young project officers are always fun names to find. I also recently found my grand dad: Tony Kelly name in some 1998-2000 pasture trails and remnant vegetation fencing on his/ now uncle's farm in Kendenup.
If you have any free time, are interested in history or just want to hang out with some great people please contact me Sayah at communications@ohcg.org.au and join the Archive and discovery team.
Taking Past Learnings into the Future is supported by funding from the Western Australian Government’s State NRM Program.
Contact Us |
Find Us |
|
Phone: (08) 9851 2703
Mobile: 0419 646 390 |
Plantagenet Landcare Centre,
Old Railway Station. Po Box 118 Mt Barker WA 6324 Office Hours: Mon-Fri 0830 - 1700 hrs (Office may be unattended as we are often in the field) 
|
Our Sponsors and Supporters
|
|
|
|
We acknowledge the Minang Bibbulmun people as the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and live. We pay our respects to the Elders, past, present, and emerging and to the wider Bibbulmun community.
