2022-05-16 GC Agenda - Item 7 - Attachment 2 - Noosa Oyster Ecosystem Restoration Project - Project Restoration Plan

                 In addition, existing patchy rock and rubble, which covers 24 percent of the benthic habitat in the
                 proposed restoration patch areas will be supplemented with additional rock (i.e., Rock Rubble - 246 m2
                 & Oyster, Rubble & Mud – 77 m2).

                 ESP also confirmed that a relatively small section of patchy rock was covered by sparse oysters and
                 sparse patches of macroalgae (Padina sp. and turfing algae). Based on this habitat survey, less than 479
                 m2 of this patchy rock and rubble habitat supporting a degraded macroalgal assemblage would be
                 temporarily disturbed, although the area to be disturbed is likely to be an overestimate as it is planned
                 to place the majority of substrate onto bare gravel and sand between existing rock patches where
                 possible and thereby minimise potential disturbance.

                 The macroalgal assemblages were also in relatively poor condition due to high sediment loads observed
                 on and around the existing rocky reef and rubble areas, with some sections of reef having a high
                 coverage of fine sediment.

                 Given the speed at which Padina can colonise hard surfaces (dead oyster shell) elsewhere in the estuary,
                 ESP anticipates that supplementary habitat provided as part of the proposed restoration project would
                 be colonised rapidly within 1 year of deployment, and that coverage would be similar to the current
                 condition within 2 to 3 years post deployment, particularly in sections that remain subtidal and not
                 covered by fine silt. Related images are presented in Figures 3.2 to 3.5 below. Additional images are
                 provided in the ESP report.




                                                                                                     Photo: Craig Bohm, TNC


                 .

                 Figure 3.2: Tewantin Restoration Site lies adjacent to this shoreline. Noosa Shire Council chambers is
                 in the background. Public park fringes the site. The Tewantin boat ramp is to the far left behind the
                 trees and 30m from the edge of the restoration site.




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Document Set ID: 21802641
Version: 1, Version Date: 31/01/2022