More oyster reefs = more fish = more fun fishing!
In late 2019, the State’s first large scale oyster reef restoration project began in Port Stephens through the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Fisheries, with funding from the NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy.
The aim was to help bring back oyster reefs lost in the early colonial era due to over harvesting, oyster disease, and removal for lime mortar.
Almost six years on from that first reef restoration project, there is some very good news to report.
DPIRD Fisheries scientists have observed increased numbers around the oyster reef restoration sites, of popular recreational fishing species, Yellowfin Bream and Dusky Flathead.
Funding from the NSW Recreational Fishing Saltwater Trust was used to support the study into how these fish species use the new oyster reef habitats. Acoustic telemetry was used to track fish movement, allowing scientists to pin-point the position of transmitter tagged fish in relation to the reefs.
Over 120 days, the movement of 20 Dusky Flathead and 20 Yellowfin Bream were tracked in and around Port Stephens oyster reef restoration sites.
Over 100,000 positions were recorded, showing that both species are actively using the new habitats, with Dusky Flathead appearing to move further into the shallow waters of the reef during high tides.
This research is providing clear data on the importance of oyster reef restoration for fish and how it can benefit recreational fishers!
Find out more about the Oyster Reef Restoration and Research project.
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