New sites proposed for shellfish reef restorations to rebuild lost habitat

The Rebuilding South Australia's Lost Shellfish Reefs Program is investing $2.6 million to restore 26 community shellfish reefs across Yorke Peninsula, Eyre Peninsula, Kangaroo Island and metropolitan Adelaide. 

This is alongside a separate $10 million investment in a large-scale limestone shellfish reef off Yorke Peninsula, which will neighbour the largest shellfish restoration project in the southern hemisphere at Ardrossan. 

Program partner The Nature Conservancy, which will build the large-scale limestone reef, has proposed two preferred sites for the reef − one near Black Point and another near Sheaoak Flat on Yorke Peninsula’s east coast.

Adelaide University, which is partnering with the state government to deliver the community shellfish reefs, is consulting with the community on four proposed reef sites near Point Pearce, Point Turton, Black Point and Edithburgh. 

The preferred locations have been identified following extensive mapping, modelling, environmental data collection and marine survey work, alongside engagement with local communities, industry stakeholders and Traditional Owners.

Restored shellfish reefs help increase marine life populations by providing shelter and feeding areas for fish, crabs, invertebrates and other species. They support stronger, more resilient coasts by attracting native oysters, which play a vital role in filtering excess nutrients and microscopic algae from the water.

The new community reefs – each covering about one hectare of the ocean’s floor – will also increase recreational and nature-based tourism opportunities, including fishing, diving and citizen science.

Residents, fishers and anyone with an interest in the marine environment are invited to attend a community information session at Port Vincent on Monday 24 August to learn more about the proposed sites for the Yorke Peninsula.

A drop-in session will be held at Port Vincent Town Hall, 19 Marine Parade North from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, followed by a presentation and question-and-answer session from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Speakers will include Adelaide University marine ecologist Dr Dominic McAfee and The Nature Conservancy's Oceans Coordinator (SA), Anita Thomas.

The Rebuilding South Australia's Lost Shellfish Reefs Program is being funded as part of the federal and state government’s $165 million investment in algal bloom response and recovery measures.

The program has already established five community shellfish off Eyre Peninsula – two at Coffin Bay, two at Tumby Bay and one at Boston Bay – which will continue to grow over time. It has also built a reef at Nepean Bay off Kangaroo Island.

Locations for the program’s remaining reefs will be determined after engagement with local communities and industry stakeholders.