Adelaide University is delivering 25 community shellfish reefs as part of the Rebuilding South Australia’s Lost Shellfish Reefs Program, led by the Department for Environment and Water.

In partnership with Eyrelab, Dr Dominic McAfee will use the reefs to establish ecological and socioeconomic evidence to inform future reef restorations.

Reefs are constructed using biodegradable mesh bags, filled with recycled oyster shell from local farmers.

The team and community co-design reef locations in accessible locations to help

  • restore habitat and support biodiversity

  • build long-term ecosystem resilience

  • improve local water quality

  • support healthier and happier communities

funding
Reefs
EVENTS

Project Team

  • Dr Dominic McAfee

    PROJECT LEAD

  • Manny Katz

    DIRECTOR OF EYRELAB

  • Dr Mary Hart

    POST DOC RESEARCHER

  • Briony Hughes

    PROJECT MANAGER

Contributors

  • Prof. Sean D. Connell

    MARINE ECOLOGIST

  • Nichole Lindsey

    PHD RESEARCHER

  • Nicole Currie

    PHD RESEARCHER

  • Sebastian Reyes-Hewitt

    PHD RESEARCHER

  • Michelle Holian

    PHD RESEARCHER

  • Catryn Zappia

    GRADUATE RESEARCHER

  • Oscar Seppelt

    GRADUATE RESEARCHER

“From little things, big things grow”
— Paul Kelly

Reef Sites

  • Established in February 2025, this reef has been expanded under the project.

  • Established in February 2025, this site has been expanded under the project.

  • Established in January 2026 at Tunarama Festival.

  • Established in April 2026.

  • Established in April 2026

  • Established in May 2026

The Community-based Shellfish Reef Restoration Project also known as the 25 Reefs Project is delivered by Adelaide University and was established in January 2026 under the Algal Bloom Summer Plan.

Eyrelab are a key delivery partner and sub-contract to Adelaide University.

The Project is delivered as part of the Rebuilding South Australia's Lost Shellfish Reefs Program, a multi-year initiative to rebuild lost shellfish reef habitat across South Australia's coastal waters. It is led by the Department for Environment and Water and delivered in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, Adelaide University, and OzFish. It is supported through joint investment by the South Australian Government and Australian Government.

The team are Environment Institute members.