Port Stephens will be included in the next phase of a nation-wide oyster reef restoration project that has attracted $20 million in federal funding following the success of a pilot in Karuah and Tea Gardens.
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Oyster reefs were established in the two locations by NSW Department of Primary Industries at the start of 2020 which quickly saw baby Sydney rock oysters settle and grow and attract other marine life.
The Nature Conservancy, in partnership with the Federal Government, will now build upon the two Port oyster reefs as part of a wider plan to rebuild a total of 60 reefs across southern Australia, which is believed to be the nation's largest marine restoration initiative.
"Shellfish reefs once thrived in Australia's bays and estuaries, but from the 1850s to the 1960s they were decimated by over harvesting, dredging and water pollution," said Dr Chris Gillies, the oceans program director at The Nature Conservancy.
"Now less than 10 per cent of these shellfish reefs remain, making them one of Australia's most endangered marine ecosystems."
The Nature Conservancy has for the past six years worked with community groups, philanthropic organisations, businesses, universities and government agencies to develop a program to rebuild shellfish reefs.
The next phase in the Reef Builder is to restore reefs in at least 11 sites. Port Stephens is included in this list.
Dr Gillies said including Port Stephens in Reef Builder was an easy choice due to the area once hosting vast oyster reefs before they collapsed due to over harvesting, and the success of DPI's pilot.
He added that the group will expand on the existing oyster reefs established this year in the Port.
Dr Gillies said that by rebuilding reefs the program will create jobs, boost important fish stocks, improve water quality, protect coastlines from erosion, and establish new fishing and dive tourism hotspots.
Dr David Gillespie, the Federal Member for Lyne which takes in Karuah, one of the Port's prime oyster-growing locations, said the benefit of Reef Builder locally was that it would "sustain up to 10 jobs and see seven local contracts issued".
"That is just the sort of boost the local economy needs as we rebuild post the COVID-19 pandemic," Dr Gillespie said.
"Working with The Nature Conservancy, Oceanwatch, Sydney Institute of Marine Science, local oyster growers and local fishers this project will boost tourism and preserve our environment as part of our economic recovery plan.
"I hope this rehabilitation creates a lasting legacy for the Karuah oyster industry, encourage tourism to sample the amazing Sydney rock oysters."
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
