Restoring marine ecosystems faces challenges due to limited ecological knowledge, historical data gaps, and the need for strong community engagement. Oyster reefs, functionally extinct in SA, exemplify this issue, as their loss has led to ecological degradation and generational amnesia. On a remote SA coastline in Coffin Bay, this study engaged high school students in a citizen science project investigating the feasibility of restoring native oyster reefs and enhancing marine biodiversity. Students constructed and deployed 28 experimental shell reefs across eight sites, four within no-fishing Sanctuary Zones and four in fished areas. After three months in situ, baskets were retrieved for analysis. Results showed high oyster recruitment across all sites and management zones, whereas species richness and abundance varied by site and management. Beyond ecological outcomes, we examined students' motivations, identifying themes of self-growth, environment, and community connection. A broader community survey engaged the public with research outcomes, revealing strong support for ongoing restoration. This socio-ecological experiment highlights the power of community-driven research in filling ecological knowledge gaps while fostering stewardship. Findings provide critical data to inform large-scale oyster reef restoration and emphasize integrating social engagement into marine conservation strategies.