Sydney rock oysters rock!
Staying true to their name, Sydney ROCK oysters really do love rock!
DPIRD Fisheries scientists discovered that reef bases made from locally quarried rocks supported a higher population of Sydney rock oysters compared to those made using clean oyster shells from local sources.
Other invertebrates, like snails, also preferred the rock reef foundations.
After more than 2 years of monitoring the State’s first large-scale oyster reef restoration project at Bindayimaguba Ninang and Garuwaguba Ninang in Port Stephens, some interesting observations have been made.
Using shells to create new reef bases may not be as ecologically effective as previously thought.
However, using recycled shells may bring other benefits, such as providing opportunities for the community to get involved in oyster reef restoration efforts.
As oyster reef restoration expands globally this research highlights the importance of choosing the right material tailored to the specific shellfish species and purpose of the project.
Read more about this research published in a special issue of BMC Ecology and Evolution, ‘Ecosystem restoration, regeneration and rewilding’
Oyster reef restoration and research is a DPIRD Fisheries project funded by the Marine Estate Management Strategy.
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