Tools of the Trade:
Over the years, oyster farmers have used a variety of tools and equipment to work their farms. These are just a few:
Perhaps the most important tool in the oystering industry has been the flat bottomed boats known as punts. From the earliest days locally, farmers usually constructed their own vessels using locally available timbers such as spotted gum. The punts measured between 10 - 20 foot (5 - 5.6 metres) in length, a similar size to those used today.
These were used to chip oysters from the bed.
Used by Broadwater oyster farmer Arthur William Hardaker to mark his bags.
Perhaps the most important tool in the oystering industry has been the flat bottomed boats known as punts. From the earliest days locally, farmers usually constructed their own vessels using locally available timbers such as spotted gum. The punts measured between 10 - 20 foot (5 - 5.6 metres) in length, a similar size to those used today.