OzFish, Australia’s leading fish habitat charity, is scaling up shellfish reef restoration to support South Australia’s recovery from recent harmful algal blooms. The organisation is urging the public to get involved by volunteering, donating, or becoming members.

In a major effort, volunteers recently recycled over 12 tonnes of oyster shells into reef modules for deployment. Oysters, as natural filter-feeders, can improve water quality and help combat algal blooms. Encouragingly, oysters in impacted areas appear unaffected by the bloom.

OzFish is establishing a new shell recycling centre in Adelaide, modelled on its successful “OysterWorld” in Brisbane, where recreational fishers have already recycled over 1 million kilograms of shells. Restoring native flat oyster reefs, once widespread across SA’s coastline, will provide vital fish habitats and improve ecosystem resilience.

Alongside oyster restoration, OzFish and local chapters will lead saltmarsh and mangrove clean-ups, as well as continue seagrass replanting through their long-running “Seagrass for Snapper” program. Citizen scientists and recreational fishers will play a key role in monitoring and restoration efforts.

OzFish is seeking public donations to support these initiatives, with contributions through partner BCF directly funding habitat restoration across shellfish, seagrass, mangroves, and saltmarsh.

Read the full article available here: https://fishingworld.com.au/uncategorized/ozfish-to-boost-shellfish-reefs-for-south-australia-algal-bloom-recovery/