The first stage of the landmark Wagonga Inlet Living Shoreline (WILS) project is now complete.
WILS is a collaborative effort between NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI), Eurobodalla Shire Council, The Nature Conservancy Australia (TNC), and the Australian Government through its Reef Builder initiative.
DPI Fisheries Manager for Threatened Species and Oyster Reef Restoration Jillian Keating said the WILS project is showcasing how nature-based solutions can protect foreshores and build habitat resilience but also enhance recreational opportunities, integrate cultural values and engage coastal communities.
"In a first for NSW, a further 1,000m2 of subtidal Angasi, or Native Flat Oyster, reef habitat has been created on the sea floor which will be later hand seeded with young native Angasi oysters," Miss Keating said.
"Research continues to demonstrate the value of oyster reef restoration for improving biodiversity, water filtration, fish production, shoreline and seagrass protection and nitrogen fixation."
"Wild Sydney rock oyster spat will settle over time and form a natural reef that protects the bank, enhances water quality, improves fish production and the overall biodiversity of the inlet."
Miss Keating said Narooma residents have been supportive of the WILS project, with many signing up to be part of a citizen science initiative for the project which is being led by OzFish Unlimited and Nature Coast Marine Group who are working closely with DPI's Oyster Reef Restoration Team to help monitor the project.
"The groups hosted a 'Meet and Greet' event for the Narooma community in June to learn about the newly restored oyster reefs," Miss Keating said.
"The 31 participants at the event learned how they can become actively involved in monitoring the growth and recruitment of oysters on the intertidal reef.
"Since then, these keen volunteers have also joined local oyster farmers at two shell cleaning days to prepare for the Angasi oyster seeding.
"It is great to see the community on board with this project, and we hope to see the benefits of this project for years to come."
The project's next steps will include foreshore revegetation works and the installation of community access infrastructure such as a boardwalk, kayak ramp and jetty along with educational signage to enhance the public's enjoyment of the area.
The project is supported with funding from the NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy and the Commonwealth's Reef Builder funds delivered by The Nature Conservancy.
