OzFish Unlimited’s Shellfish Revolution is the largest community-driven shellfish reef restoration initiative in the Southern Hemisphere. With the mission to restore vital marine ecosystems, we have developed world-leading shellfish reef restoration techniques tailored for community involvement. By engaging local communities in the restoration process, we ensure they become active stewards of their environment and educators for future generations. Our proven methods, including the Robust Oyster Basket (ROB), Quilted Oyster Doona (QOD) and infill shell deployments have restored over 20 hectares of reef and led to the deployment of over 14,000 reef units across Australia, contributing to the regeneration of shellfish populations and enhancing biodiversity.
A core part of our work is empowering local communities with the tools and knowledge to actively participate in marine restoration through citizen science. By training volunteers to monitor shellfish populations, collect data, and contribute to habitat assessments, we foster greater public involvement in conservation efforts. This hands-on approach not only supports the mapping and monitoring of restoration projects but also strengthens community connections to marine ecosystems. The Shellfish Revolution exemplifies the power of community-led conservation, driving sustainable marine restoration and ensuring the long-term health of our oceans through collective action and environmental stewardship.