Recognition of the ecological role of shellfish reefs and the major declines and ongoing threats to these habitats worldwide has stimulated major community/government/industry based partnership programs aimed at their protection, enhancement and restoration, most notably along the U.S. east coast. Shellfish reefs are defined as essential fish habitats in the U.S. In Australia there is also a history of decline, loss and degradation of wild shellfish habitats, although there has been limited investigation of the value of these habitats to fish or for provision of other ecosystem services, or efforts to restore wild shellfish populations in Australia.  

Native flat oyster (Ostrea angasi) and blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) beds were once ecologically important features of Port Phillip Bay, recognised as important fish habitat by commercial and recreational fishers. While these two shellfish species are still common in Port Phillip Bay, they no longer occur on sediment areas in the densities or areal coverage that could be considered as ‘functional habitats’ or ‘ecosystem engineers’.

This presentation discusses some history of loss and the current opportunity and prospects for re-establishing lost shellfish beds in Port Phillip Bay, with benefits to fish and fisheries.