A large-scale limestone shellfish reef is set to take shape off the Yorke Peninsula, marking one of the most ambitious marine restoration projects ever undertaken in South Australia and a major milestone under the SA Government’s Summer Plan.
Led by Lucy Hood MP, the project will establish a new native oyster reef north of Stansbury, covering around 16 hectares of seafloor. Built using large limestone boulders and other sustainable materials, the reef will create stable foundations for native oysters to settle, grow and form a living ecosystem designed to support long-term ocean health and recovery following the recent algal bloom.
The reef will be delivered in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, drawing on decades of global and local expertise in shellfish reef restoration. Much of South Australia’s original shellfish reefs were lost by the early 1900s due to dredging and overharvesting, and the new project aims to help reverse that damage at scale.
The Nature Conservancy has been restoring reefs across the state since 2018, including landmark projects such as Windara Reef, as well as sites at Glenelg, O’Sullivan Beach and Kangaroo Island. Monitoring has shown these reefs can become self-sustaining within just a few years, delivering tangible benefits for marine life and water quality.
Native oysters play a critical role in filtering excess nutrients from the water, with a single adult oyster capable of filtering up to 100 litres a day. As oysters grow and their shells accumulate, they form complex reef structures that provide habitat for fish, crabs and other marine species, while also helping to naturally clean and clarify coastal waters.
Beyond environmental recovery, restored reefs can support recreational and nature-based activities including fishing, diving and citizen science, strengthening the connection between communities and their local marine environment.
The $10 million reef forms part of the broader $102.5 million Summer Plan, which includes more than $37 million dedicated to environmental resilience, research and monitoring. Consultation with industry, community groups and Traditional Owners will take place in the first half of this year to determine the reef’s exact location and size, with construction scheduled for late 2027 following approvals.
The project also complements the rollout of 25 community-built oyster reefs across the Yorke and Eyre Peninsulas and Kangaroo Island, further expanding South Australia’s network of living reefs.
For the Narungga community, the restoration carries deep cultural significance. Narungga Nation representatives have welcomed the commitment to restoring ecosystems that have supported their people for thousands of years, describing the project as an important expression of caring for Country and a source of future opportunities for the Yorke Peninsula community.
Together, the large-scale limestone reef and community-led projects represent a long-term investment in healthier seas, stronger ecosystems and more resilient coastlines for South Australia.
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