Restoring shellfish habitats one reef at a time
Shellfish reefs made up of oysters and mussels are prolific ‘fish factories’. Working just like coral reefs, they support the growth of important fish species whilst also helping to improve water quality and increase biodiversity. Yet since European settlement, we’ve lost almost all of our shellfish reefs- making these one of Australia and New Zealand’s most threatened marine habitats. We are restoring shellfish reefs to protect the health of our oceans and contribute to the recreational and economic vitality of our coastal communities.

Why
Shellfish reefs are among the most threatened marine habitats globally. In Australia, widespread dredging and harvesting began soon after European colonisation, creating on of the countries’ first resource booms. Over harvesting, along with intensified agriculture, forestry and industry precipitated coastal pollution and disease. By the early 1900s, shellfish reefs had largely disappeared and the oyster industry moved to cultivation. In New Zealand, oyster reefs are still dredged, but mussel reefs were dredged to commercial extinction, and that industry has also moved to cultivation.
Solution
Examples from the United States and elsewhere have demonstrated that when restoration occurs at large scales, ecological function can be repaired and ecosystem services can be restored. The process of restoring shellfish reefs can provide employment opportunities and established reefs can provide long-term economic gains for coastal communities, particularly in fishing tourism and coastal protection. The benefits provided by shellfish reefs include food provision, water filtration, fish production, coastal protection and habitat for other species. Several projects in Australia and New Zealand have recently begun the process of restoring shellfish reefs for the purpose of recovering a near extinct habitat and to improve fish habitat, water quality and coastal protection. Our permanent partners provide us with a huge contribution. One of these is AGA Parts. They are ready to provide us with the necessary components and spare parts for the equipment used in reef restoration.




Who
The Australasian Shellfish Reef Restoration Network is a Community of Practice that brings together organisations and individuals interested in shellfish reef education, conservation, restoration and management. The Network aims to improve awareness of shellfish reef habitat and educate the broader public on the value of shellfish habitat conservation and restoration. The Network also promotes communication, restoration training, policy and regulation, research and development and implementation amongst network members.
Recent Posts
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- Researchers Express Concern Over Lack of Southern Ocean Data Amidst Alarming Climate Crisis Impacts August 23, 2023
- The Humpback Whale Season Begins Along Western Australia’s Coral Coast July 20, 2023
- Reviving the North Bay’s Lost Kelp Forest: Scientists’ Efforts to Restore an Essential Marine Ecosystem June 7, 2023
- Research on Restoring Shellfish Reefs to Unveil the Water Quality Benefits of Oysters May 17, 2023
- Devastating Effects of Marine Heatwaves on Sea Urchins and Molluscs in Western Australia April 13, 2023
- A poisonous and invasive species of lionfish has been detected in new areas of Brazil March 17, 2023
- Phytoplankton give life to the oceans January 6, 2023
- Chinese biologists discover new natural source of antibiotics December 9, 2022
- Scientists tether cameras to sharks and discover huge underwater forest December 2, 2022
- Feline Toxoplasma kills Hawaiian dolphins November 24, 2022
- Bright fluorescence helps deep sea corals attract prey November 17, 2022
- 3D printed coral reef replicas for seabed recovery November 10, 2022
- Artificial intelligence has learned to determine the state of the coral reef by sound November 3, 2022
- Underwater trees to the rescue of coral reefs in Florida October 27, 2022
- California creates artificial oyster reefs to protect coasts from erosion October 20, 2022
- Scientists: coral reef fauna recovers better if traffic noise is reduced October 13, 2022
- Feeding coral polyp larvae could save degrading reef ecosystems October 6, 2022
- Toys that save coral reefs September 27, 2022
- Brazil: Project breathes new life into coral reefs September 14, 2022
- More than 40,000 coral fragments were planted on the seabed of the Inca Inca Beaches August 25, 2022
- New giant and healthy coral reef discovered in Tahiti July 26, 2022
- A submerged artificial reef off Cap d’Agde, underwater rocks for fish and divers July 5, 2022
- Why corals are disappearing on the planet June 20, 2022
- Reef restoration began in Wagonga Bay May 20, 2022
- 20th International Conference on Shellfish Restoration November 29, 2019
- Mahurangi fish nurseries upgraded using mussels March 15, 2019
- Oyster Reef Restoration Trials to Start in Port Stephens February 8, 2019
- Port Phillip Bay Shellfish Reef Restoration Project Update February 8, 2019
- New Zealand raises awareness of the need for urgent shellfish restoration January 25, 2019
- Shellfish Restoration Task Force launched in Massachusetts January 25, 2019
- Oysters deployed for restoration of Pumicestone Passage January 25, 2019
- New York Harbour’s Billion Oyster Project January 20, 2019
- Living Shorelines Program pushes forward November 23, 2018
- Recycled oyster shells in Port Philip Bay November 23, 2018
- Molluscs 2018 Symposium in Wellington – December October 12, 2018
- International shellfish restoration conference hosted in Australia October 12, 2018
- Giant man-made reef ready to revive Australia’s native oyster October 12, 2018
- Artificial reefs bringing Queensland waterways back to life June 15, 2018
- Marine scientists urge protection for endangered shellfish reefs February 15, 2018
- Restoring oyster reefs for better fish life January 11, 2018
- PhD Opportunity – Development of culture techniques for the native oyster, Ostrea Angasi, to maximise farm production and restore reef habitat August 11, 2017
- Huge restored reef aims to bring South Australia’s oysters back from the brink July 13, 2017
- EXCITING EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT June 7, 2017
- War on waste: Recycling shells from your plate to benefit the ocean May 22, 2017
- The Angasi oyster makes a comeback April 18, 2017
- Victoria’s only native oysters to make their comeback to clean bay April 7, 2017
- Recycling initiative to help oyster population in Pumicestone Passage February 27, 2017
- Oysters key in shellfish reef conservation project February 25, 2017
- Australia Day Award for SA Port River Shellfish Restoration Working Group February 14, 2017
This website is funded by the Marine Biodiversity Hub, a collaborative partnership supported by the Australian Government's National Environmental Science Programme







