The community will have the chance to get on board with the Save the Crabs, Then Eat Them campaign in a partnership between the South West Catchments Council and the Peel-Harvey Catchment Council. The campaign, which kicks off during Crab Fest, encourages residents to think about how and when they fertilise their lawns, for the sake of the waterways and crabs.
Mandurah Mayor Marina Vergone said making a small change in lawn care could be one of the most effective actions residents could take to aid fish stocks and protect the waterways.
“Fertiliser leaches into our waterways when it rains, causing algal blooms that remove oxygen,” she said.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW“If there’s rain forecast, hold off the fertiliser and go fishing instead.
“Waiting until autumn and spring to fertilise lawns keeps the fertiliser on the lawn where it does its job; it also promotes grass root growth instead of blade growth for healthier lawns.”
The Home River Ocean campaign has produced free fertiliser guides on how to fertilise at the right time, using the right amount.
These are available BCF Mandurah and Ray’s Outdoors as well as at Department of Fisheries Mandurah and the Peel-Harvey Catchment Council.
Stage Door Waterfront Restaurant chef Ellen Rayner said holding off when there is rain around and going easy when applying fertiliser would ensure there were more dishes like blue swimmer crab linguine on the menu for everyone to enjoy.