Port Stephens has been chosen as the location of the first large scale oyster reef restoration project in NSW.
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Construction crews will place more than 3,000 tonnes of rock and more than 150 cubic metres of recycled oyster shell onto reef restoration sites in Port Stephens from late December until early March.
Oyster reefs once covered vast areas in NSW estuaries but the majority have been lost due to over harvesting, the removal of habitat, dredging for navigation, water pollution and disease.
The oyster shell to be used for the Port Stephens project has been collected from the local oyster farms and will be used to provide a base for oyster settlement on the new reefs.
"Oyster reefs provide a wide range of benefits including water filtration, shoreline protection and the provision of food, shelter and protection for a range of marine creatures including recreational and commercial fish species," NSW Department of Primary Industries fisheries manager Kirk Dahle said.
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The Port Stephens oyster industry has recorded increased sales and production volumes in recent years.
The most recent Department of Primary Industry figures show the industry has an annual turnover of about $13 million.
Port Stephens Shellfish Committee chairman Mark Hunter said the oyster bank restoration project would add to the recent momentum by improving water quality.
"It is still in the experimental stage but I think it will be a good thing; the overseas experience shows they have worked really well," he said.
"Artificial reefs have also worked well for the recreational fishing community."
A pile of rocks to be used for Myall River reefs were deposited at the old Tea Gardens boat ramp on Friday.
Mr Dahle said the project would deliver a wide range of benefits to the health of the estuary and the marine life within the marine park
"Restoring oyster reefs is a fantastic way to improve the health of the estuary and marine park as oysters are natural water filters. The reefs will also create additional natural habitat for fish, crabs and other species to use," he said.
"The oyster reef restoration works will be highly visible over the construction period, if you are out and about on the water near the entrance to the Myall River or the Karuah River you are likely to see works taking place.
"We have worked closely with other state agencies to ensure these reefs are safe for the boating public and are constructed in line with all necessary approvals."
Recreational boat users have been asked to give work barges and crews a wide berth and follow advisory signage around the port.
The new Port Stephens oyster reefs will be showcased at the International Conference on Shellfish Restoration in Nelson Bay in March 2020.
Matthew Kelly
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
