The DEP was established in 1999 and has been nationally recognised for excellence in coordinating initiatives to reduce water pollution, conserve habitats and species, monitor river health and promote greater use and enjoyment of the foreshore. In March 2017, the Derwent Estuary Program established itself as a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee.
Our major sponsors include: Brighton, Clarence, Derwent Valley, Glenorchy, Hobart and Kingborough councils, the Tasmanian State Government, TasWater, Tasmanian Ports Corporation, Norske Skog Boyer, Hydro Tasmania and Nyrstar Hobart smelter. We also work collaboratively on projects with the CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research, University of Tasmania, Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies, NRM South and BirdLife Tasmania.
Our vision for the Derwent is an estuary with a healthy and diverse ecosystem that supports a wide range of recreational and commercial uses and is a source of community pride and enjoyment.
Our mission is to work together to understand the Derwent Estuary system, to take action to progressively enhance and protect the estuary’s values, and to inform and involve the community in this process.