Three generations of oyster farming on the river — reading the tides, the seasons, and the signs that nature provides.
Every morning before the sun hits the water, I'm out on the lease checking the racks. There's something about those first hours — the mist sitting on the river, the oysters filtering away in the dark. My grandfather started this farm in the 1960s. Three generations of Fishers have worked these waters. The oysters teach you patience. You can't rush them. They grow on their own schedule, responding to the tides, the temperature, the salinity. Some seasons are better than others, but you learn to read the signs. When the mangroves are flowering early, you know it'll be a good season.
Shaun Fisher
Stradbroke
Shaun Fisher is a pioneering First Nations oyster farmer from the Kooka community, dedicated to reviving traditional ecological practices while fostering sustainable innovation. A custodian of cultural heritage, Shaun's work with the robust oyster baskets, in collaboration with Aus Fish, aims to restore the ancient oyster reefs of Morton Bay, a vital part of the environment and his community's totemic history. His commitment to using sustainable practices not only preserves the natural ecosystem but also serves as an inspiring model for future generations. Shaun's passion for balancing environmental stewardship with the socio-economic empowerment of his people underscores his impactful role as a leader in cultural and ecological renaissance.
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