Dairy farmers in Tasmania's Tamar estuary and Esk rivers catchment areas could benefit from grants of up to $5000 to help clean up the region's waterways.

The funding is designed to help farmers to improve their practices to keep run-off out of the waterways.

It is part of the Australian Government's National Landcare Programme to implement the Tamar River Recovery Plan.

The first round of grant recipients has been announced, with 17 successful applicants to launch the IntoDairy Clean Rivers scheme.

“This funding will assist dairy farmers to undertake a range of on-ground farm works including upgrading irrigation and improving drainage systems, planting riparian buffers, improving effluent management and putting up additional fencing to keep stock clear of waterways,” Environment Minister Greg Hunt said.

The successful projects will be delivered by the dairy farmers on-farm.