Fishing Southern NSW Report 0805

Who am I?

Whilst my surrounding township was named earlier on April 22nd 1770 by James Cook I was later mysteriously confused with much smaller focal features by a well-known explorer George Bass. According to tales during an expedition in December 1797 confusion began over islands and rocks bearing similar appearance, well documented in whaleboat records. This classic mistake was only discovered after further investigation revealed confusion set in over similar headlands close by.

I was discovered whilst looking for rivers entering the sea south of Jervis Bay. An inlet was perceived running through a bar with a depth of 9 feet to six fathoms upon opening. On the second day of observations a stony ford upstream put a halt to further expedition. It was at this stage I was recommended as a settlement based on founding forestry principals with low sloping banks and the availability of constant communication with a passable bar.

I went on to become a timber shipping locale, home of a steam navigation company, with timber ship manufacturing and brick production nearby. Further development of the region was only successful after the 1851 alluvial gold rush, establishing mining rights in nearby Araluen/Mogo. Such was the success of timber cultivation by the 1880's the area was dotted with mills producing hardwood sleepers. By the turn of the 19th cleared areas of vegetation was abundant due to timber felling and quality grazing/vegetable production flourished.
After initial investigations pre WW2, in the late 1940's construction of a bridge began over my width; being completed in November 1956. Speeding up travel by as much as 15 minutes over the past ferry vehicular system. Due to a lack of railroads in the area the highway bearing the paralleling oceans name was the only avenue of communication apart from my navigable bearings.

Additional industry like commercial fishing began in the 19th century but supporting documents state Oyster harvesting beginning as early as 1870. Cultivation methods ranged from dredging to diving with clear winter water the key. By the 1930's Quarries in the area began supplying stacked slate in droves to grow Oysters via tray methods. With past slower methods behind them the regions Oyster farmers are now the third highest produces of Sydney Rock Oysters in NSW, with some locals still growing and harvesting native flat shelled varieties. Noted for my extreme purity, after years of previous industry and  now being protected in National Parks/State Forests I am subject to low pollutants.

During 2006 the NSW Government established zoning of a Marine Park in my waters. Its goal was to protect key habitats for threatened and endangered species by adopting a new approach to marine management. Commercial fishing including trawling, netting was banned with a reduction in overfishing depleted areas hoped. Sanctuary Zones were also developed alongside habitat protection zonings.

History shows during tougher times my upper reaches reduce to no more than a trickle. However with an entire length estimated at 125kms, stemming from deep mountain ranges, twisting and turning towards the Ocean I will always be bountiful. Being one of the only eastern rivers in NSW not to be dammed I have platypus at one end and Mulloway at the next.

After almost 10 years of protection I'm back baby and my waterway is thriving with recreational fishing more popular than ever. I'm a gateway to the continental shelf, a spawning ground for native fish and a recreational fishing haven based on the present; not the past. Featuring offshoots such as Nelligen, Cyne Mallows, Portegan, Cockwhy and Currowan Creek I also have a number of islands known as Big, Little and Bud.

<Drum roll> Located 284km from Sydney, 150kms from I am also known by my Aboriginal name 'Bhundoo', and was named after the famous River in Scotland.

I am... The mighty Clyde.
Derek 'Paffoh' Steele