While shellfish reef restoration is a relatively new intervention in Australia, researchers already know that these reefs have great capacity to enhance and restore biodiversity and fisheries.
Unitywater is trialing a shellfish reef restoration project that will determine the value and effectiveness of oysters, mussels and other crustations filtering nutrients in waterways.
Unitywater is trialling an innovative project seeing how the capacity of oysters to filter nutrients in waterways. If the nature-based solution works, it could reshape the future of shellfish reef restoration and wastewater treatment practices.
The trial is part of Unitywater’s ambitious goal of ensuring all nutrients from wastewater are diverted or offset from waterways by 2040.
Each 400sqmm triangular ‘reef’ basket is filled with 18 kg of recycled oyster shells sourced from Brisbane restaurants and commercial shucking operations and will host many different species such as oysters, mussels and other molluscs.
Collaboration with partners ensures project success on the ground and for the people and communities in the local areas.
The work not only protects the area for the benefit of the local community, but also involves the local community in restoration through citizen science.
Unitywater is trialing a shellfish reef restoration project that will determine the value and effectiveness of oysters, mussels and other crustations filtering nutrients in waterways.
While shellfish reef restoration is a relatively new intervention in Australia, researchers already know that these reefs have great capacity to enhance and restore biodiversity and fisheries. These reefs, by offsetting nutrients, can help improve water quality, aquatic biodiversity and resilience in our waterways.
The project is exploring the effectiveness of restored shellfish reefs in the upper estuarine reaches of the Pine River, at sites immediately downstream of one of Unitywater’s Wastewater Treatment Plants.
The project will test the viability of shellfish reefs as an economical nutrient offset method particularly following wastewater treatment processes. Nature-based technologies such as restoring shellfish reefs are a testament to the vast range of effective, non-invasive, and enviro-friendly solutions that nature can provide.
The project is delivered by Unitywater in partnership with University of Sunshine Coast, Healthy Land and Water and OzFish. At Unitywater, we are continuously looking for ways to value every drop – by reducing our operating footprint, using the natural environment and responsibly using our precious resources.
Watch to learn more about the oysters are being used to help shellfish reefs recover, with hundreds of kilograms of oysters added to the Noosa River.
Healthy Land & Water
Level 11, 240 Queen St
GPO Box 735
MEANJIN (BRISBANE)
QLD 4001
Australia
Healthy Land and Water Ltd
ABN 91 115 662 989
