Assessing and mapping northern Australia’s endangered shellfish reefs

Very little is known about tropical shellfish reefs globally; none have been characterised in Australia, so their vulnerability to threatening processes is unknown. It is known, however, that 85% of temperate oyster reefs have been lost through destructive and unsustainable harvesting, pollution, disease and coastal development. It is critical that we ensure that the tropical reefs within our region avoid a similar fate.

The shellfish species inhabiting these reefs might be a new opportunity for aquaculture in Australia’s tropics. They also have potential to replace cool water adapted species in broader farming as climate change proceeds.

This project will assess the current distribution, status and characteristics of northern Australia’s tropical shellfish reefs, and determine whether protection and restoration are required.

Approach

Maps of past and present oyster reefs will be prepared using satellite imagery, and input from Traditional Owners, fishers and others.

Assessments of reefs will be undertaken at selected sites to determine shellfish species and numbers, supported biodiversity, habitat preferences, and settlement substrates. This will inform future management, monitoring needs, and determines conservation status of tropical shellfish reefs, now and in the future.

Rapid assessment methods will be developed, and training implemented to support  ongoing, cost-effective monitoring by Traditional Owner and citizen scientists.

Expected outcomes

• Shellfish reef data to support regional planning.
• Traditional Owner research and monitoring aspirations for Sea Country delivered.
• Knowledge built to support shellfish reef management and restoration.
• Values of shellfish reefs quantified and potential threats assessed.
• Monitoring needs and conservation approaches developed for a vulnerable ecological community.
• Capacity of recreational fishers and community built to identify existing shellfish reefs.

Project location