What’s happening?
OzFish Unlimited — Australia’s only fishing conservation charity — is asking Redlands locals, especially recreational fishers and coastal explorers, to help identify and report sightings of tropical shellfish reefs.
In partnership with Griffith University, OzFish is calling on the community to take photos of these rare reef structures and upload them, along with location details, to the OzFish Tropical Shellfish Reef Tracker. These public sightings will help guide scientists in selecting the best locations for restoration works.
Why it matters
According to Robbie Porter, OzFish Senior Special Projects Officer, Australia has lost most of its tropical shellfish reefs. “A vast majority of these tropical shellfish reefs in Australia have disappeared. Now, we need Australians to help us bring them back.”
“Tropical shellfish reefs are vital for coastal and estuarine ecosystems, providing food and homes to a huge range of fish, including favourites Mangrove Jack and Yellowfin Bream,” Porter explained. “They support the production of up to 16 tonnes of fish per hectare each year, they clean our bays and estuaries and protect shorelines from the impacts of climate change.”
“These reefs are natural fish factories,” he said. “In helping OzFish collect this data, you’ll be directly supporting the return of more fish.”
Local Impact
The Redlands Coast, which includes southern Moreton Bay and vital estuarine environments, has already seen significant restoration work. In December 2024, OzFish deployed more than 3,000 Robust Oyster Baskets (ROBs) in Moreton Bay as part of its Shellfish Reef Restoration Project.
This area is central to the goal of restoring 100 hectares of shellfish reefs over the next decade, and Redlands residents can directly contribute to its success.
Porter reassured participants: “At OzFish, we know the value of a good fishing spot, so we’re not asking folks to give away their secrets — your info stays confidential.”
He added, “We just need to know where tropical shellfish reefs already exist, so we can determine the best places to restore them.”
By the Numbers
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Healthy shellfish reefs can support up to 16 tonnes of fish per hectare each year.
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In December 2024, 3,000+ ROBs were installed in Moreton Bay by OzFish.
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The project’s goal is to restore 100 hectares of shellfish reef habitat over the next 10+ years.
Zoom In
Porter encouraged spotters to look in unexpected places: “Tropical shellfish reefs can form on all sorts of bases — old posts, sea walls, mangrove roots, or even directly on muddy or sandy bottoms. Look for clumps or clusters of oysters or mussels growing on top of each other — not just a single layer on rocks or hard surfaces. The shellfish are usually cemented together — that’s a key feature that makes it a reef, not just scattered shell.”
He said, “Take a few clear photos — one showing the overall reef site, and a couple of close-ups showing the clumping shellfish.”
Dr Marina Richardson from Griffith University added scientific urgency to the project. “Shellfish reefs have often been referred to as the temperate equivalent of coral reefs, but we now know that’s not exactly true – shellfish reefs are also found across the tropics, and we know almost nothing about them!”
“In fact,” she explained, “we know so little that most of the tropical reef-building species in Australia are yet to be given a scientific name. It’s important that we understand their ecology and potential conservation needs to ensure that these ecosystems, and their many benefits, thrive for generations to come.”
Zoom Out
This national reef-tracking campaign forms part of a wider push from OzFish to protect fish habitats and restore marine biodiversity. The organisation is also pressuring candidates contesting the 2025 federal election to commit to its Four Fixes for Fish — a policy package aimed at preventing further fish kills and environmental decline.
The project is supported by the Australian Government through the National Environment Science Program, Griffith University, and BCF – Boating, Camping, Fishing.
What to look for next?
Redlands residents can participate by looking for clumps of shellfish — especially oysters or mussels — forming on hard or soft surfaces around the bay, mangroves, or even sea walls. Take wide and close-up photos and submit your sightings with a location description or GPS tag to the OzFish Reef Tracker.
Every contribution helps rebuild Australia’s marine ecosystems and brings back more fish to local waters.
