2015-11-10 - P&O Agenda - Item 7, Attach 2 - Assessment of Oyster Recruitment

1 Introduction

To provide a pathway for a coordinated response to rehabilitation of estuarine habitats in the
Noosa River Estuary and Lakes, The Nature Conservancy in collaboration with its donors
completed an assessment of possible estuarine restoration activities and / or management
options available to local council and the broader community. This was completed in
October 2014 through an expert elicitation workshop. Enhancement of fisheries habitat
through the restoration of oyster reefs was identified as one potential rehabilitation measure;
however, there was uncertainty regarding natural oyster recruitment and survival in the
system.

This study was commissioned to assess the recruitment potential of oysters and to determine
the viability of restoring oyster reefs in the Noosa River Estuary. This report presents the
findings of the assessment, which was completed by deploying settlement tiles at various
locations within the study area.


1.1 Background
Estuarine habitats and the diversity of species that they support provide substantial benefits
through the goods and services provided including food / fisheries productivity, nutrient
recycling, improving water clarity and quality, and tourism (natural recreational enjoyment
including recreational fisheries) (Beck et al. 2001; Lotze et al. 2006). Restoring ecological
functions to estuaries is an emerging management and conservation priority in Australia
(FRDC 2012; Gillies et al. 2015) and restoration of oyster reefs to restore ecological function
is an established practice in parts of the USA (Brumbaugh et al. 2006; Schulte et al. 2009).

In Southeast Queensland (SEQ), the Noosa River catchment and estuary is considered the
best performing catchment in region in terms of water quality, diversity of in-stream habitats
and fish production (Sunshine Coast Regional Council 2012; Healthy Waterways 2013).
However, the relatively un-modified and good condition of the system is often juxtaposed
against the fact that Noosa is a high demand recreational area for tourism, fishing and
agriculture, which contribute heavily to the local economy (Sunshine Coast Regional Council
2012). The tourism industry dominates the gross domestic product in the Sunshine Coast,
attracting $2,324 million in 2010/11 (Regional Development Australia Sunshine Coast Inc.
(RDASC) 2012).



Restoration of Noosa Estuary: An Assessment of Oyster Recruitment                                 1