A Moreton Bay shellfish reef restoration project will use recycled shells and oyster baskets to support marine habitat and water quality, with the work carrying wider relevance for bayside communities including Manly.
Recycled Shells Given A New Role In Moreton Bay
Shellfish reefs in Moreton Bay are set to be restored through a $1.5 million project using recycled shell material collected from seafood businesses and restaurants across Brisbane.
The project will support OzFish in creating and deploying 10,000 Robust Oyster Baskets over two years at three confirmed locations: the Port of Brisbane, Peel Island and Fisher’s Lease.
The work is aimed at restoring shellfish reefs that have been lost through historical harvesting, coastal development, disease and declining water quality.
Oyster Baskets To Support Reef Habitat
The recycled shells will be cleaned and cured to meet biosecurity requirements before being used to create the Robust Oyster Baskets.
Volunteers will help prepare the baskets, giving the project a community-based element while supporting practical restoration work in the bay.
A single Robust Oyster Basket can provide shelter for more than 10,000 baby oysters. Once deployed, the baskets are intended to help rebuild shellfish reef habitat and support marine life.
Shellfish reefs provide important habitat for fish and crustaceans. Their restoration is expected to improve biodiversity across the selected Moreton Bay locations.
Water Quality Benefits Across The Bay
Oysters play a natural filtering role in the marine environment by trapping microscopic algae and other particles, helping improve water quality as reef systems develop.
One oyster can filter more than 100 litres of water a day, making shellfish reefs a valuable part of Moreton Bay’s marine ecosystem.
While the confirmed deployment sites are not in Manly, the project’s focus on water quality, marine habitat and biodiversity carries wider relevance for communities connected to the bay.
Two-Year Restoration Effort
Over the next two years, OzFish will deploy 10,000 oyster baskets across the Port of Brisbane, Peel Island and Fisher’s Lease.
The project is expected to support marine habitat, improve water quality, enhance biodiversity and encourage community engagement.
As the baskets are deployed, the work is expected to contribute to the gradual recovery of shellfish reefs across selected parts of Moreton Bay, using recycled shell material and volunteer effort to support restoration in the marine environment.
Published 27-Apr-2026
