Reviving the Bay’s Lost Underwater Forests
“Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone?” (Joni Mitchell – “Big Yellow Taxi,” 1970) – a fitting description of what has happened to the once vibrant Port Phillip Bay. Once teeming with diverse marine life, the bay’s shellfish reefs have been decimated through decades of overharvesting and destructive fishing practices.
But a remarkable restoration effort, led by the Albert Park Yachting and Angling Club (APYAC) in partnership with the Victorian Fisheries Authority and The Nature Conservancy, is bringing these vital underwater habitats back to life. By cultivating and replanting native oysters and mussels, the project is not only reviving the bay’s lost biodiversity, but also improving water quality and laying the foundation for a healthier recreational fishery.
A Bay Rich in Native Shellfish – Until It Wasn’t
When you think of oysters in Melbourne, the image that likely comes to mind is the Pacific oyster, a hardy, introduced species that has become a staple on seafood menus. But unbeknownst to many, Port Phillip Bay was once home to a thriving population of a native oyster species – the Angasi or “mud oyster.”
These flat, shallow-water oysters were once abundant throughout the bay, forming dense reefs that provided crucial habitat for a wide array of marine life. Alongside the oysters, the bay was also home to vast beds of native mussels, which further enriched the underwater ecosystem.
However, this natural abundance would not last. In the 19th century, a booming oyster dredge fishery began harvesting the bay’s shellfish, not only for consumption but also to produce lime for the growing colonial construction industry. By the early 20th century, the native oyster fisheries were largely fished out, a victim of unsustainable exploitation.
The damage did not stop there. In the 1960s, a scallop dredge fishery further decimated the remaining shellfish habitats, particularly in the northern regions of the bay. By the 1980s, the once-thriving mussel and oyster reefs had been reduced to mere shadows of their former selves, their diverse ecosystems all but wiped out.
A Community Takes Action
As the devastating impacts of the past became increasingly clear, the members of the Albert Park Yachting and Angling Club (APYAC) knew they had to take action. Founded in 1909, the club had witnessed firsthand the transformation of the bay, and the loss of the abundant shellfish that had once provided food and habitat for marine life.
“We had a strong sense of what the bay used to be like, and we couldn’t just sit by and watch it disappear,” explains Bob Pearce, a longtime APYAC member and driving force behind the shellfish restoration project. “Something had to be done.”
Reaching out to the Victorian Fisheries Authority, the club found a willing partner in Anthony Forster, a senior manager who recognized the urgent need to revive the bay’s lost habitats. With Forster’s support, APYAC launched the first-of-its-kind shellfish reef restoration project in Australia, laying the groundwork for a collaborative effort that would eventually involve the expertise and resources of The Nature Conservancy (TNC).
Building Apartments for Marine Life
The core of the restoration project involves cultivating native Angasi oysters and mussels in a purpose-built hatchery, then carefully transplanting them onto strategically placed limestone reefs within the bay.
“It’s like building a block of apartments for a myriad of marine creatures,” Pearce explains. “By providing a stable, three-dimensional substrate, we’re creating the perfect conditions for these shellfish to thrive and attract a diverse array of other species.”
Indeed, the results have been nothing short of remarkable. Within a relatively short timeframe, the newly established reefs have become hotspots of marine activity, teeming with fish, crustaceans, and a dazzling array of other invertebrates.
“Every time we visit the sites, we’re amazed by the sheer abundance of life that has returned,” says Pearce. “The Pinkie snapper, flathead, and other favorite recreational species are all coming back in droves, attracted by the rich feeding grounds and complex habitats that the reefs provide.”
Cleaning the Bay, One Oyster at a Time
The restoration project’s benefits extend far beyond just the revival of marine biodiversity. Shellfish like oysters and mussels are natural filtration powerhouses, capable of cleaning vast volumes of water as they feed.
“A single oyster can filter hundreds of liters of water per day,” Pearce explains. “Now, imagine the impact of hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of these filter feeders working together – it’s a game-changer for the bay’s water quality.”
As the project continues to scale up, with new reefs being established in strategic locations, the cumulative impact on the bay’s overall health is expected to be profound. Cleaner water not only supports a thriving ecosystem but also enhances the recreational experience for anglers, boaters, and beachgoers.
A Blueprint for Restoration Nationwide
The success of the Port Phillip Bay shellfish reef restoration project has not gone unnoticed. In fact, it has served as a model for similar initiatives across Australia, with other states now looking to replicate the approach pioneered by APYAC and its partners.
“This project has been a true game-changer,” says Rich Gilmore, the Australia Oceans Director for The Nature Conservancy. “By demonstrating the remarkable benefits of reviving these lost habitats, we’re inspiring other communities to take action and restore their own coastal ecosystems.”
Indeed, the project has already garnered significant recognition, winning two Premier’s Sustainability Awards and attracting substantial funding from government sources and private donors alike. For APYAC, this is just the beginning – the club is committed to continuing its efforts, with the goal of restoring up to 80% of the bay’s historic shellfish reefs.
Investing in the Future of the Bay
The club’s dedication to the project is evident in its impressive fundraising efforts, which have totaled over $600,000 to date. This includes grants from the Recreational Fishing Licence Trust Account, the Victorian Government, and the Port of Melbourne, as well as significant in-kind contributions from the club itself.
“We understand that this is an investment not just in the present, but in the future of Port Phillip Bay,” Pearce explains. “By restoring these vital habitats, we’re ensuring that our children and grandchildren will be able to enjoy the same abundance and diversity of marine life that we were fortunate enough to experience in the past.”
A Collaborative Effort for a Healthier Bay
The shellfish reef restoration project in Port Phillip Bay is a true testament to the power of community-driven conservation. By bringing together recreational anglers, government agencies, and non-profit organizations, the initiative has demonstrated that by working collaboratively, we can achieve remarkable results.
“This project is a win-win-win,” says Pearce. “We’re restoring the bay’s lost biodiversity, improving water quality, and enhancing the recreational fishing experience – all while inspiring similar efforts across the country. It’s a blueprint for what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision for a healthier, more sustainable future.”
As the restoration work continues, the members of APYAC remain steadfast in their commitment to the bay, driven by a deep sense of stewardship and a desire to leave a lasting legacy for generations to come. It is a story of hope and resilience, a testament to the power of community action, and a shining example of what can be achieved when we work together to bring a desert back to life.
