Shellfish bid to help NSW oyster farmers

Sydney Fish Market has announced a special fundraising cocktail event and auction to raise cash to help protect the NSW oyster farming industry. Taking place on May 11, the event will see proceeds go towards much-needed rehabilitation of the local oyster economy.

Recent extreme weather conditions and severe flooding, coupled with the bushfires of 2020, have caused extensive damage to NSW’s oyster farming infrastructure. As the industry faces potential years without viable stock, the fundraiser – held in conjunction with OceanWatch Australia and The Morrison Bar & Oyster Room – aims to encourage Sydneysiders to dig deep and help support local farming.

“As the biggest seafood trader in the southern hemisphere, it’s important that we help support an industry that supports us,” says Sydney Fish Market CEO Greg Dyer. “The oyster takes two to three years to mature, and any interference can be devastating. It’s now crucial that we work to ensure vital habitat and farming infrastructure is protected and supported for recovery and a sustainable future.”

Money raised at the auction will go to OceanWatch Australia, a national not-for-profit environmental company that works to advance sustainability in the Australian seafood industry. Working with Sydney Fish Market, OceanWatch will help to distribute the money raised to support marine farming infrastructure across the NSW coast.

“Australia is surrounded by one of the world’s cleanest marine environments, with an enviable reputation for producing clean, green seafood,” says Lowri Pryce, CEO of OceanWatch Australia. “Our role is to help protect this, for a sustainable future within the seafood industry. This event is a wonderful initiative to support struggling NSW oyster farmers, helping to protect their industry and the environment on which they rely.”

On a night filled with oysters, champagne and charitable generosity, attendees are invited to take home one of the many highly desirable auction items available at the event, all of which will go to the highest bidder. Among the generously donated items is a Ken Done sketch exclusively created for the event which takes inspiration from the oyster, and a year’s supply of oysters – generously donated by The Morrison Bar & Oyster Room.

Overseeing The Morrison’s kitchen is industry veteran, chef Sean Connolly. As one of Australia’s most respected chefs, Connolly will curate the night’s delicious oyster fare.

“The Morrison Bar & Oyster Room really is the home of the oyster for Sydneysiders, having sold 14 million oysters in the past seven years alone,” he says. “It was really important for us to get involved in this event, giving back to the industry when it’s in need of our support.”

You can make a donation or purchase a ticket to the auction here.