NSW DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES AGRICULTURE & FISHERIES DIVISION
"Tooltech has been working closely with the New South Wales oyster industry for many years to develop and refine durable plastic oyster trays and baskets suitable for both intertidal and subtidal oyster cultivation in line with the industry's commitment to replace its traditional tarred timber lease infrastructure with environmentally friendly recyclable products. Tooltech products are designed to meet the requirements of the New South Wales oyster industry, by providing durable, cost effective, recyclable, food safe polypropylene plastic products.
The New South Wales oyster industry is the largest oyster aquaculture industry in Australia with oysters farmed on 3,140 hectares of intertidal leases spread over 32 estuaries along approximately 1,500 km of coastline. Working closely with this diverse, long established, knowledge rich industry enables us to assess and receive feedback on the performance of our range of products under a wide range of commercial and often extreme environmental conditions.
In 2003 the New South Wales oyster industry, in collaboration with New South Wales Department of Primary Industry and the Environmental Protection Agency was awarded the prestigious Sydney Fish Market Seafood Award for Environmental Excellence for their work to replace tarred timber oyster lease infrastructure and durable environmentally sustainable alternatives."
HOLIDAY COAST OYSTER PTY LTD
"Your firm is to be commended on its research and development of aquaculture products and systems for the oyster and wider aquaculture industries. We hope the further development and commercialisation of the aquapurse will be equally beneficial to our industry and your business."
CAMERON OF TASMANIA PTY LTD
"Cameron of Tasmania is one of Australia's major shellfish producers, and as such use a significant amount of aquaculture equipment.
As subtidal producers we utilise the Tooltech-Ploma Aquatray - some 40, 000 or so. The product is extremely versatile. We use it in modules of 8 stacks, suspended under longlines by way of a rope bridle running down each of the 4 corners. Their ability to stack in such a way allows for them to be transported securely and safely on our oyster vessels.
This stacking ability aids emptying and restocking as the trays can be separated without dismantling the module. Depending on sea-state conditions, either the 4 or 9 section tray can be used to ensure even distrubution of the oysters on the tray's surface.
The Aquapurse has also been a valuable development for both subtidal and intertidal farming. Their large flat base allows the oysters good access to food and also allows for enough movement to develop an even and consistant shape. The oysters being totally captive, minimise loss. The ability to nest so well is a prime feature of this very versatile unit. The options of a number of mesh sizes minimise the need for many different types of equipment. Our use has demonstrated superior growth and shape performance from this unit."