signature oysters - farmers

Get to know David Tunstead fromTunstead Oysters

1300 792 750 | signatureoysters.com.au

I am a fifth generation oyster farmer. Our oldest shed has parts that are over 70 years old. After trying different things including playing rugby overseas, I was drawn back to the family business. My father Peter still works on the farm and our whole family is passionate about it and oysters of course!

Our oysters are caught wild in the Hastings River and grown out in the same area. Our method of growing oysters in floating bags is labour intensive, but produces a great quality product.

I love working in the water and I enjoy overseeing the entire process, from growing the oysters to the moment when they are sent to the market. What I find most rewarding is knowing that our oysters are a highly sought after product.

DAVIDTUNSTEADPORT MAQUARIE, NSWTUNSTEAD OYSTER SUPPLY

The whole family is passionate about the farm – and oysters of course!

Get to know Brandon Armstrong from Armstrong Oysters


BRANDONARMSTRONG LAURIETON, NSWARMSTRONG OYSTERS

I grew up working the river with my father Rob and knew from a very young age that I wanted to grow oysters. Now, my brother Jason and I are partners running the largest and fastest growing Sydney Rock oyster farm in Australia.

We really bounce off each other’s talents. Working on the river is an ever-changing environment and growing great oysters means that we have to keep adapting: this job means we will be forever learning.

The challenge of growing great oysters keeps me busy and it gives me energy to keep going. I love it!

We farm our oysters on the pristine Camden Haven River. These oysters are hand graded, carefully packed and delivered to you fresh to ensure fantastic flavour and freshness. I want you to share my passion!

I knew from a young age that I wanted to grow oysters

Get to know Matt Wassnigfrom Prime Water Oysters


I developed a passion for the outdoors by the water because my family always holidayed by the beach. My fascination with the ocean led me to study marine biology and from there I got involved in research to find better ways to grow seafood. I loved working in the field but wasn’t suited to the laboratory, so I decided to become an oyster farmer.

Prime Water Oysters has developed a reputation for its supply of premium quality Sydney Rock Oysters from the picturesque Nambucca River in Northern New South Wales.

I like to think that my love for the ocean and respect for nature is obvious from the moment you taste my oysters.

MATTWASSNIG NAMBUCCA HEADS, NSWPRIME WATER OYSTERS

I combine my passions for farming, science and nature to produce

the best product possible

Get to know Ewan McAshfrom McAsh Oysters


My life as a modern oyster farmer is not just about growing great oysters; it’s also about delivering them so they are a product you can rave about.

As a marine scientist, farmer and director of Signature Oysters, my passion is using modern technology and innovation to balance sustainability and supply while providing an unforgettable experience.

Our farm is located on the beautiful Clyde River in the heart of New South Wales’ south coast. I believe oysters are best enjoyed with friends and family over a few drinks and some good food. For me they are not just shellfish, they are a lifestyle!

EWANMcASHBATEMANS BAY, NSWMcASH OYSTERS

My life as a modern oyster farmer is not just about growing great oysters

Get to know Nathanael Dodtfrom Blue Moon Oysters


I have a real passion for the ocean, so after I completed my degree in Marine Science; I followed my love of aquaculture to Tasmania.

Straight off the bat I loved the wild, natural beauty of the area and growing oysters seemed like the perfect fit. Our oysters are grown in Great Bay off Bruny Island, which is Australia’s most southerly oyster-farming region.

We are constantly exposed to strong Antarctic winds, waves and cold, nutrient-rich currents that impart a unique flavour to our oysters. My oysters are wild remote beauty packed in a shell.

NATHANAELDODTBRUNY ISLAND, TASBLUE MOON OYSTERS

Straight off the bat I loved the wild, natural beauty of the area and

growing oysters seemed like the perfect fit

Get to know Ben Cameron from Cameron of Tasmania


Our business is truly a family run operation. I start my day by visiting the hatchery with my uncle to monitor the development of the juvenile spat. By selectively breeding oysters and hand rearing them through to market, we have full control over the quality of the product.

What gets me up in the morning is getting to work out on the water alongside some amazing nature. The two bays in which our oyster leases are located neighbour some historic towns dating back to colonial times. The isolation of the area has meant that the environment has remained largely untouched.

I value being able to work with my family everyday to create a product we are proud of. We want word of mouth to sell our oysters because people remember how fantastic they taste.

Being breeders and growers, the product is 100% ours and we stand by it

BENCAMERONEAGLEHAWK NEST, TASCAMERON OF TASMANIA

Get to know Craig Lockwoodfrom Lease 65


CRAIGLOCKWOODST HELENS, TASLEASE 65

Growing oysters fuels my lifelong passion for seafood. I’ve explored other fields and careers but I’ve never been suited to the office environment. I was always drawn back to the ocean.

When it comes to oysters, I’m a bit fanatical. I am forever in the pursuit of growing the perfect oyster. To me, growing oysters is a fine art. I use modern technology and years of experience to produce oysters of beautifully consistent size, shape and flavour.

Our farm is located on Moulting Bay near St Helens along the lush northeast corner of Tasmania. Lease 65 oysters are hand graded, carefully packaged and delivered. These oysters are my passion; my life’s work and I want you to experience the unique flavour of oysters grown in our pristine waters!

Growing oysters fuels my lifelong passion for seafood

Get to know Anthony Peters from Swift Water Oysters


ANTHONY PETERSCOFFIN BAY, SASWIFT WATER OYSTERS

My sister married a farmer when I was young and I spent school holidays helping on the farm. I think that background drew me towards the oysters, because it’s farming in a beautiful environment. I just love the water and the challenge of growing a product in an ever changing environment.

I handle my oysters every 5-6 weeks to grade them and then put them in an area that will maximise their growth. I get a very good product at the end. I like to grow a fairly round oyster, which we call Piccolo oysters. Their shape means that they really stand out from other oysters in the market.

When I’m not motorbike riding in the summer, I’m fishing.

I just love the water and the challenge of growing a product in

an ever changing environment.

Get to know Dallas Powerfrom Power Aquaculture


I’ve been an oyster farmer for close on 10 years. Before that, I worked as a commercial fisherman out of Port Lincoln. Part of the Power Aquaculture farm is out on an island called St. Peters, which is about a 25-minute boat ride from the depot. This area produces oysters that are consistently a clean, good product with a hard shell that travels well.

I love oyster farming and the beautiful scenery of the water. Despite the fact that it’s a harsh environment, the truth is I wouldn’t have it any other way.

When I’m not oyster farming I enjoy hanging with the kids and friends doing outdoors activities like camping and fishing. Travelling is something I love doing when I can get away.

I wouldn’t have it any other way

DALLASPOWERSMOKY & DENIAL BAYS, SAPOWER AQUACULTURE

Get to know Gary Hetzelfrom Hetzel Oysters


Hetzel Oysters is a family business run by Gary and Sara Hetzel. Our oysters are grown in the pristine waters of Coffin Bay where the oysters are nurtured and grown all year round.

The oysters are placed in baskets to grow and have access to a good tidal flow with clear water. Not having a large farming area means that we can monitor our oysters regularly and make adjustments to make sure they have access to the nutrients for growth.

Our dedication and expertise in growing these oysters mean they are world standard and are sold in Australia and internationally. We are passionate about oysters and enjoy being involved in the process of growing a delicious product that will be appreciated in restaurants.

I’ll never get tired of the clean air and peaceful environment.

GARYHETZELCOFFIN BAY, SAHETZEL OYSTERS

Get to know James Woodfrom Rockin' Oysters


I’ve worn many hats over different careers including pathology and web design. I’ve even worked for a record label, hence the name Rockin’ Oysters! Eventually I wanted to get back to doing what my soul likes, which is water, boats, sun, beach and fishing. Luckily for me, being an oyster farmer comes with all of these perks.

I’m one of the few farmers who still use a combination of trays and floating baskets. I experimented with growing methods for two years and over that time learned how to use my water well.

Even in bad weather I can endure it and carry on because I truly enjoy the work.

It’s good honest work and character building. I just love it!

JAMESWOODDUNBOGAN, NSWROCKIN’ OYSTERS

signature oysters - farmers

Food

tunstead oysters

mcash oysters

nsw armstrong oysters

method of growing oysters

nsw prime water oysters

director of signature

nsw tunstead oyster

great quality product