Industry figures and experts are working on a carbon neutral accreditation for local oysters. 

Oysters outperform land-based protein in terms of their carbon use and production. 

Oyster aquaculture requires no feed and generates no waste. In fact, oysters concentrate and store surrounding carbon to grow their shells.

However, they do release carbon into the surrounding waters through respiration and shell erosion.

Oysters Australia has commissioned experts to investigate the opportunities for oyster farmers in the carbon market.

As consumers are increasingly looking for products that can demonstrate sustainability attributes, the oyster lobby is looking to prove their carbon neutral status. 

Researcher Dr Rachael Marshall says carbon neutral status could be just the beginning. 

“I don't think we've scratched the surface on telling the good story about oysters,” Dr Marshall has told the ABC.

“Oyster aquaculture is one of the most pristine aquaculture operations, it provides delicious food, great protein, jobs in regional areas.

“There's so much growth potential, we can't even grow enough oysters for our own local markets — why aren't we putting effort into growing the industry?

“In the next few years it's going be broadened up beyond carbon emissions to other ecosystem services and that's the real story.”