Shellfish reefs in Port Phillip Bay will be rejuvenated

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Image courtesy of [africa] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net"

Under a landmark partnership between the Victorian Coalition Government and one of the world’s largest conservation groups, shellfish reefs in Port Phillip Bay are set to be rejuvenated.

Image courtesy of [africa] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net"
Image courtesy of [africa] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net”
Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Peter Walsh has announced over the weekend that the Coalition Government and the Nature Conservancy will combine their efforts on Australia’s first shellfish reef restoration project as part of a three-year, $270,000 partnership.

“Shellfish beds are recognised as important ecological features of Port Phillip Bay as they can provide key fish habitat valued by both commercial and recreational fishers,” Mr Walsh said.

“The pilot project will use native flat oysters raised at the Department of Environment and Primary Industries’ Queenscliff hatchery to re-establish shellfish presence on reefs in the Bay, and is expected to significantly improve fish habitat and recreational fishing opportunities. While this is the first Australian reef restoration effort, the project will test a range of reef restoration methods based on successful overseas experiences,” he added. 

Adertisement

According to Mr Walsh, the first reefs to be restored would be at Geelong, Hobsons Bay and Chelsea. The Nature Conservancy will contribute $150,000 while the Coalition Government will provide $120,000 from the $16 million Recreational Fishing Initiative.

The project was initiated by Fisheries Victoria and the Albert Park Yachting and Angling Club, after members had first identified through club fishing records the loss of productive snapper habitat in and around Hobsons Bay.