Why is South Australia rebuilding oyster reefs?

South Australia is rebuilding oyster reefs to combat harmful algal blooms and restore marine ecosystems that were historically destroyed.

How can the public help rebuild South Australia's oyster reefs?

The public can help by recycling oyster, scallop, and mussel shells, volunteering for shell bagging events, and participating in reef building.

What is the cost of South Australia's shellfish reef restoration plan?

South Australia's plan to restore various marine ecosystems, including shellfish reefs, has a budget of A$20.6 million.

Home / Environment / Oysters Rise Again: SA's Reefs Roar Back to Life

Oysters Rise Again: SA's Reefs Roar Back to Life

9 Dec, 2025

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Summary

South Australia is restoring native shellfish reefs to combat algal blooms.
Restoration involves large boulder reefs and community-built shell reefs.
Public can recycle shells and volunteer to help rebuild vital marine ecosystems.

Oysters Rise Again: SA's Reefs Roar Back to Life

South Australia is actively restoring its native shellfish reefs, a once-thriving marine ecosystem crucial for ocean health. The historical destruction of these reefs by colonial practices left coastlines vulnerable to events like the current harmful algal bloom crisis. A significant A$20.6 million plan is now underway, employing two main strategies for reef restoration.

The initiative includes building substantial reefs using limestone boulders, a method that has shown positive results over the past decade. Alongside this, a community-driven approach will construct 25 smaller reefs using recycled shells. This grassroots effort invites public participation in collecting, preparing, and assembling reef units from Kangaroo Island to the Eyre Peninsula.