Using an automated oyster grading machine for long-term monitoring of oyster performance

While large, good condition, well-shaped oysters have high market value, they require optimal growing conditions and labour intensive techniques to culture. To handle this NSW oyster growers are progressively moving towards innovative technologies, one of which allows automated bulk processing of oysters. Growers now purchase sophisticated graders that clean, count and sort large number of oysters quickly and efficiently. While graders are routinely used to count and sort oysters into batches of similar size, these machines are actually measuring the characteristics of individual oysters. This presents an unprecedented opportunity to collect high-quality oyster growth and growing area performance data. This project focuses on the assessment of oyster lease and cultivation method performance. This can be translated into a management tool for improving the industries’ productivity and environmental sustainability. The project also demonstrates the possibility of implementing a long term oyster performance monitoring program, with minimum additional effort from the growers.