Developing natural solutions to environmental issues
Developing a framework for effective oyster reef restoration
Across south-eastern Australia, the loss of >90% of oyster reefs has contributed to the long-term degradation of estuarine ecosystems. Restoration of these oyster reefs is critical for improving the health and function of estuaries and sustaining the coastal communities and industries dependent on these. Successful restoration requires detailed knowledge of the factors that foster natural recovery across a range of environmental conditions and the interventions needed to promote these factors. Knowledge of optimal habitat sizes and configurations (e.g. shape, habitat fragmentation) to meet ecological and socio-economic objectives is also needed, including enhancement of biodiversity, fisheries productivity, nutrient cycling, and water quality.
To address these critical knowledge gaps, this project brings together the collective expertise of the Nature Conservancy (TNC), the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI Fisheries) and the SIMS Foundation (through the Sydney Institute of Marine Science, SIMS) who are all involved with the development of ecosystem-scale restoration programs.
Our overall goal is to combine expertise in shellfish biology, ecosystem function, geomorphology, and restoration ecology to develop a framework for guiding best–practice restoration of Sydney Rock Oyster reefs across a broad spectrum of environmental conditions in eastern Australia.
News
Project to bring Sydney Rock Oyster reefs back from extinction receives ARC funding
Professor Gribben said oyster reefs are the coral reefs of temperate ecosystems. They provide coastal areas protection from waves and storms, act like the kidneys of estuaries by filtering excess nutrients and contaminants from the water, and provide habitat and nursery grounds for many important species. But like coral reefs, oyster reefs are dying. Across Australia, more than 90% of oyster reefs have been lost due to pollution and physical extraction for food and lime.
“The $330,000 ARC grant will enable Professor Gribben and his collaborators to develop a framework to recover the functionally extinct Sydney Rock Oyster reefs and reinstate their key ecosystem services.”
Read the full article here.
Relevant publications
Vadillo-Gonzalez S, PE Gribben, EL Johnston and K Dafforn. 2019. The application of bioturbators for aquatic bioremediation: review and meta-analysis. Environmental Pollution. 250: 426-436. DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2019.04.023