A $30,000 grant from Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority was given to Industry and Investment NSW (I&I NSW) to organise the derelict oyster lease clean up project in the Port Stephens Great Lakes Marine Park.

Director fisheries conservation and aquaculture Bill Talbot said the local oyster farmers contracted to carry out the clean up had done an excellent job.

“Their work will see a marked improvement to the biodiversity of this significant marine habitat located in the Little Swan Bay sanctuary zone,” Mr Talbot said.

“These areas covered by former leases will now be available for public use and can be enjoyed by the wider community.”

Almost five hectares of derelict oyster leases were part of the clean up.

“We greatly appreciate the support of local oyster farmers,” Mr Talbot said. “The removal of derelict oyster lease material is very expensive and specialised marine salvage equipment is required.”

Mr Talbot said the project is part of an ongoing process designed to improve the marine habitat and estuarine environment.

Many leases were abandoned in the 1990s after a major outbreak of the pacific oyster, an exotic marine pest, in Port Stephens.

The detrimental effect on the local industry saw many businesses go bankrupt.

To ensure the legacy of vast areas of derelict oyster leases is not repeated, I&I NSW has a number of programs in place designed to improve the environmental performance of the oyster industry.

This includes the Oyster Lease Bond System which holds people responsible for derelict oyster leases accountable for their clean and removal.

Local oyster farmer Mark Hunter said it was a good idea.

"There are a lot of leases that need taking down," Mr Hunter said.

While oyster farmers haven't returned to harvesting in the Myall River due to sand blockage not allowing enough fresh water into the river, Mr Hunter said it had been a good harvest at Corrie Island and nearby areas.

"No significant amounts of rain means salinity levels have been good."