Canberrans flock to Eurobodalla on the south coast over the summer break. A ‘living shoreline’ will be created at the Wagonga Inlet Estuary at Narooma, Eurobodalla Shire, to revive lost oyster reefs, improve habitat for fish, and protect the foreshore and water quality.
The inlet supports a thriving oyster industry, tour operators, tourist accommodation, and waterfront restaurants.
‘Living’ shorelines provide a natural approach to coastal protection by using plants and other natural elements to prevent erosion, rather than traditional methods such as rock walls.
The project will replace the rock wall with banks of vegetation, restore 1,700 sqm of intertidal Sydney rock oyster reef habitat and 1,000 sqm of subtidal native flat oyster reef habitat, and create a jetty / fishing platform.
The project is part of the Federal Government’s $20 million Reef Builder initiative, a partnership between the Australian Government and The Nature Conservancy Australia (TNC) to rebuild native shellfish reefs around the Australian coastline.
Alison Rowe, Managing Director of TNC, said rejuvenating the Wagonga Inlet Estuary will improve water quality, fish production, and the biodiversity of the coastline.
“Restoring these reefs and saltmarshes will enhance local ecosystems, improve foreshore access, and provide local communities with recreation and sustainable tourism opportunities, making it a win-win for local communities and the environment,” Ms Rowe said.
Shellfish reefs are rich ecosystems that support fish and other sea life, said Sussan Ley, Federal Minister for the Environment. They provide shelter and act as a food source and nursery, provide recreation for local residents, and improve coastal water quality.
“Projects like this help to bring shellfish reefs back from the brink of extinction, boosting water quality, and creating new jobs, tourism and recreational opportunities,” Ms Ley said.
Senator for NSW Jim Molan said the project will have many benefits for the community and local environment.
The project is supported by the Australian Government, Eurobodalla Shire Council, NSW Department of Primary Industries, and The Nature Conservancy Australia.
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