A large shellfish-limestone reef is to be built on the seafloor off Yorke Peninsula to help South Australia marine life and businesses recover from recent algal blooms.
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Australia is teaming up with the state government to build the reef, expected to span hundreds of metres.
Its exact location and size will be determined by scientists, the Narungga custodians, the oyster industry and local communities.
The established reef is expected to be home to native oysters; a single adult oyster can filter up to 100 litres of water a day, the conservancy says.
Country director for the conservancy, Lara Gallagher says the partnership is another step towards restoring native reefs lost in the early 1900s to dredging and overharvest.
REEF RESTORATION
“Shellfish reefs are ecological powerhouses, fuelled by the oyster.
“Rebuilding these important ecosystems restores the many benefits – improved water clarity and quality, providing vital habitat for hundreds of marine species and bolstering fish populations,” she says.
With more than 30 years of global expertise, TNC will use top-shelf science, suitability modelling and habitat mapping to find an area before the exact location is refined.
Narungga spokesman Garry Goldsmith says they are “very pleased” by the commitment to restore a part of the natural ecosystem that they had used for thousands of years.
“This project … will provide further opportunities to our Narungga and wider Yorke Peninsula community.
“We look forward to working with all stakeholders throughout this project to ensure its success.”
Dr Eddie Game, lead scientist at TNC Asia-Pacific, says their restoration program has been recognised by the United Nations for its ability to rebuild these reefs at the scale required to help oceans recover and build resilience.
The Conservancy has already restored four shellfish reefs in South Australia since 2018: at Windara (Ardrossan), Glenelg, O’Sullivan Beach and Kangaroo Island.
“Monitoring shows these reefs have become self-sustaining ecosystems within only a few years,” Dr Game says.
The project is part of the Algal Bloom Summer Plan, a $102.5 million state-federal recovery effort.
Construction is due to start in late 2027 after full consultation; initial planning is to start in early 2026.
SEE EARLIER STORY: Oyster reefs can protect from algal blooms
ABOUT THE CONSERVANCY
The Conservancy helps protect and restore ecosystems at scale.
They work in more than 83 countries and territories.
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