The Port of Brisbane will be part of a Moreton Bay shellfish reef restoration project that turns recycled shells from local seafood businesses and restaurants into oyster baskets designed to support cleaner water and marine habitat.
Local Shells To Support Port Of Brisbane Reef Work
Shellfish reefs in Moreton Bay are set to be restored through a two-year project that includes the Port of Brisbane, Peel Island and Fisher’s Lease.
The $1.5 million project will support OzFish in creating and deploying 10,000 Robust Oyster Baskets across the three locations. The work is aimed at rebuilding shellfish reef systems that have declined over time due to historical harvesting, coastal development, disease and falling water quality.
Instead of going to waste, the shells will be cleaned, cured to meet biosecurity requirements, and used by volunteers to help create new oyster habitat in Moreton Bay.
Volunteers And Recycled Shells Drive The Project
The restoration work is designed around a simple community-based process. Recycled shells are collected, prepared and placed into Robust Oyster Baskets, which are then deployed in selected parts of Moreton Bay.
A single basket can provide shelter for more than 10,000 baby oysters. Once in place, the baskets are intended to help rebuild shellfish reef habitat and provide structure for marine life.
For local seafood businesses, restaurants and volunteers, the project connects everyday activity in Brisbane with restoration work in the bay. The shells left behind from seafood trade and dining will become part of a project aimed at supporting fish, crustaceans and other marine life.
Port Of Brisbane Reef Work Linked To Cleaner Water
The Port of Brisbane is one of the confirmed locations where oyster baskets will be deployed as part of the Moreton Bay project.
Oysters play an important natural filtering role in the marine environment. By trapping microscopic algae and other particles, they can help improve water quality. One oyster can filter more than 100 litres of water a day, showing why shellfish reefs are valued as part of a healthier bay system.
The project is also expected to support biodiversity by restoring habitat where shellfish reefs have been lost. These reef structures provide shelter for fish and crustaceans, while also contributing to the wider marine environment of Moreton Bay.
Moreton Bay Restoration With A Local Connection
Over the next two years, OzFish will deploy 10,000 oyster baskets across the Port of Brisbane, Peel Island and Fisher’s Lease.
The project is focused on restoring shellfish reef habitat, improving water quality and supporting biodiversity, with volunteers helping create the baskets and local shell material being reused for environmental restoration.
Published 27-Apr-2026
