December 2022: Learning about Oyster Harbour

Water quality and algae monitoring, efforts of farmers to reduce their nutrient inputs to waterways, environmental restoration at Yakamia Creek and the oyster reef project will be some of the topics at an upcoming community science forum.

The Oyster Harbour Catchment Group and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) are inviting residents of Albany, Mount Barker and surrounds to find out about the latest information collected about the health of Oyster Harbour and on-ground work across the catchment.

The annual Healthy Estuaries WA forum for Oyster Harbour will be held on Wednesday 14 December 2022 in Albany.

Senior Project Officer at Oyster Harbour Catchment Group, Bruce Radys, said the forum is a chance to chat with the people working to protect the harbour.

“We know our community value Oyster Harbour for its unique environmental values, its beautiful scenery and the recreation opportunities the harbour provides, Local community members, farmers, scientists, and government personal are working hard to protect our harbour – the forum is a great opportunity to bring many of them together to hear about their work, give feedback and ask questions,” said Bruce.

Dr Elke Reichwaldt, Environmental Officer with DWER, said that regular water quality monitoring shows us how the estuary system responds to environmental changes such as rainfall patterns.

“After nutrient levels were elevated in 2021 because of the high winter rainfall, fortunately, we are now seeing the nutrient concentrations return to normal levels,” said Elke.

“We will also present how algal activity responds to the nutrient levels in the harbour.”

To find out more about the forum or to RSVP visit https://www.ohcg.org.au/2022-oyster-harbour-estuary-forum.html

Healthy Estuaries WA is a State Government program that aims to improve the health of our South West estuaries.

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