Humble oyster inspires The Wagonga Inlet Living Shoreline

The Wagonga Inlet Living Shoreline (WILS) project, launched on February 1, celebrates two years of hard work to restore vital marine ecosystems.

This groundbreaking initiative is the first in Australia to combine Sydney Rock and Native Flat Oyster reefs at a single location, enriching the foreshore with oyster reef, saltmarsh and riparian vegetation.

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Fisheries Manager Oyster Reef Restoration, Jillian Keating managed the WILS project, working closely with Eurobodalla Shire Council.

“Central to the project is the rich history of oyster reefs, which once supported a wealth of marine life and formed an essential ecosystem for the region.

"These reefs hold deep cultural significance for coastal Aboriginal communities. The project aims to protect what remains and restore what has been lost,” Ms Keating said.

Director Marine Estate Management Strategy, Dr Heath Folpp said it was a major milestone for the community and the environment.

“The project is a result of many months of hard work and significant collaboration. Thanks to the joint efforts of the NSW Government, local Council, the Australian Government and The Nature Conservancy.

“At the heart of this achievement is the ongoing support of the local community. Their active involvement and enthusiasm helped shape this project,” Dr Folpp said.

Fisheries Scientist Dr Vicky Cole leads a team monitoring the reef’s growth.

Alongside Joonga Divers, NSW’s first commercial Indigenous dive crew, and local Citizen Scientists led by Nature Coast Marine Group and OzFish Unlimited, Dr Cole tracks the development of the oyster reefs including over 3 million baby oysters, known as spat.

"The newly recruited Sydney Rock Oysters are now nearly 70% of the size of wild adult oysters. These oysters have huge ecological value with immense capacity to filter and improve water quality, and support growth of a vast array of marine creatures and habitats including seagrass.  

"The reefs are supporting a thriving marine ecosystem, with the same fish species as remnant oyster reefs, including lots of Luderick and Bream," Dr Cole said.

The project has not only restored critical habitats but has also created a stunning accessible space that reflects cultural values, creating an even more stunning foreshore for locals and visitors.

This work is part of DPIRD Fisheries and Forestry Oyster reef restoration and research project funded by the Marine Estate Management Strategy.