Reef Builder is an exciting partnership between the Australian Government and The Nature Conservancy to bring shellfish reefs back from the brink of extinction.
The initiative is set to create up to 170 jobs and engage up to 120 subcontractors, many in regional areas, and support the economic recovery of communities impacted by bushfires and COVID-19 restrictions.
Shellfish reefs once thrived in Australia’s bays and estuaries. They stretched from Noosa all the way to Perth. From the 1850s to the 1960s they were destroyed by overharvesting, dredging and water pollution.
Now less than 10 per cent of them remain, making them a critically endangered marine ecosystem.
An economic boost
The economic shocks of COVID-19 and bushfires have been felt by many communities. The Government’s $20 million investment will expand our successful program to rebuild shellfish reefs around the Australian coastline. It will support coastal towns and urban areas in need of recovery from COVID-19 and devastating bushfires.
Rebuilding shellfish reefs can create more jobs than traditional infrastructure investments across a diverse group of industries including maritime construction, aquaculture and natural resource management.
Jobs range from barge operators, to truck drivers, to shellfish growers and divers. After construction, the reefs will provide public benefits such as more marine life, cleaner waters, more fish and protection from erosion. These environmental benefits help to draw in more visitors supporting eco-tourism, hospitality and fishing sectors in particular.
Shellfish reefs once thrived in Australia’s bays and estuaries, but from the 1850s to the 1960s they were decimated by overharvesting, dredging and water pollution.
Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley said the new shellfish reefs will have a positive impact on local communities and the economy, while also protecting biodiversity.
By investing in our natural assets, we help coastal tourism and the recreational and commercial fishing industries bounce back from the impacts of COVID-19 and bushfire.
Why do we need shellfish reefs?
Shellfish reefs are made up of oysters and mussels and work just like a coral reef. They become rich ecosystems that support fish and other marine species. They provide cleaner oceans, more fish and safer coastlines.
Shellfish such as oysters are excellent natural water filters. One adult oyster can filter up to a bathtub of water a day. Click here to read more about shellfish reefs.
Where will they be built?
Reef Builder will restore reefs in at least 11 sites chosen from the following locations:
- Noosa River Estuary, QLD
- Port Stephens, NSW
- Botany Bay, NSW
- Sapphire Coast, NSW
- Gippsland Lakes, VIC
- Port Phillip Bay, VIC
- Derwent Estuary, TAS
- Kangaroo Island, SA
- Adelaide Metro Coast, SA
- Onkaparinga, SA
- Oyster Harbour, WA
- Peel Harvey Estuary, WA
- Swan-Canning Estuary, WA
Reef Builder is part of a bigger project to restore shellfish reefs around Australia’s southern coastal areas. We aim to rebuild a total of 60 reefs across southern Australia. It’s Australia’s largest marine restoration initiative. If achieved, it will make Australia the first nation in the world to recover a critically endangered marine ecosystem.
60 new reefs will create up to 850 jobs in maritime construction, science, fisheries and service sectors with half of them in regional areas. For the same level of spending, this is more jobs than road developments (590 jobs), mining (250 jobs) and regional airport upgrades (1.4 jobs).
We've successfully built shellfish reefs all over the world, with many projects already well underway in Australia in:
References
Publications on shellfish reefs and linking reef restoration with economic improvement.
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01
Conservation status of the Oyster Reef Ecosystem of Southern and Eastern Australia Read the paper >
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02
Australian shellfish ecosystems: Past distribution, current status and future direction Read the paper >
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03
Investing in nature: Restoring coastal habitat blue infrastructure and green job creation (ScienceDirect) Read the paper >
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04
Benefit-cost analysis of the Windara shellfish reef restoration project (NESP Marine Biodiversity Hub) Read the paper >
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05
Role of Restoration in Matters of National Environmental Significance (NESP Marine Biodiversity Hub) Read the paper >
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06
Economic Impact Analysis for South Australia shellfish reefs (Econsearch) Read the paper >
You can help us bring back shellfish reefs across southern Australia.
Just $35 per month for a year, can buy enough oysters, mussels and limestone to build 8m² of reef.
Shellfish reef projects
Feature
Restoring shellfish reefs
Shellfish reefs are Australia’s most critically endangered marine ecosystem. Made up of billions of oysters and mussels, they once thrived in Australia’s bays and estuaries from Noosa in Queensland right around Australia’s southern coastline to Perth in Western Australia. Now less than 10% remain.
Places We Protect
Adelaide oyster reef
Shellfish ecosystems are among the most endangered marine habitats on Earth-with 85% loss worldwide. With the exception of Windara Reef, we have no known native oyster reefs left in South Australia, but we're bringing them back.
Places We Protect
Victoria's lost reefs rediscovered
Getting shellfish reefs back into Port Phillip Bay which once covered 50% of the Bay's seafloor before being wiped out.
Places We Protect
Noosa River Shellfish Beds
Noosa has a reputation as one of Australia’s most desirable destinations. It is known for its beautiful beaches and bays, but not for its once abundant oyster beds. But we're bringing them back.