Life on an oyster reef
See how a newly restored oyster reef grows and develops over time.
Learn how The Nature Conservancy is bringing marine life back to southern Australia with this interactive animation showing how our restored oyster reefs grow.
Instructions
Slide the time scale across to the right to watch the changes a new oyster reef goes through as it matures from years 0 to 7.
This app will take a minute to load and is best viewed on Chrome, Microsoft Edge and Safari internet desktop browsers.
If you're viewing this page on mobile, the animation will be displayed as a video.
About oyster reefs
Oyster reefs also known as shellfish reefs, were once abundant across Australia’s southern coasts, but have been lost due to overexploitation, pollution and disease. Made up of oysters and mussels, these reefs provide important food and habitat for marine life. Like coral reefs, they are the nurseries, homes and sources of food for important fish species like Snapper and King George Whiting, while also helping to improve water quality, reduce coastal erosion and increase biodiversity.
The Nature Conservancy and partners are restoring these reefs from Western Australia all the way up to Queensland, to contribute to a healthier marine environment, improve recreational fishing opportunities and help coastal communities thrive.
Discover our shellfish reef projects around Australia:
- Port Phillip Bay, Victoria
- Gulf St Vincent, South Australia
- Metro Adelaide Reef, South Australia
- Swan-Canning Estuary, Western Australia
- Oyster Harbour, Western Australia
- Peel-Harvey Estuary, Western Australia
- Noosa, Queensland
Thanks
Life on an oyster reef interactive tool has been developed with funding from Inspiring South Australia’s Regional Small Grants Program and the Yorke Peninsula Council with support from scientists at The Nature Conservancy, South Australian Department of Environment and Water and The University of Adelaide.
You can help us restore shellfish reefs across southern Australia
Just $35 per month for a year, can buy enough oysters, mussels and limestone to build 8m² of reef
Related Reading
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.
South Australian Reef Reviving the Gulf
Windara Reef - the largest shellfish reef restoration project ever attempted in Australia.
Reef Cam underwater live feed
Watch live! Discover the incredible marine life in Port Phillip Bay from under the sea direct to your screen.