Work has begun to restore 2,700 metres squared of oyster habitat to create a 'living shoreline' on the banks of Wagonga Inlet between Ken Rose Park and Narooma Swimming Centre.
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The project aims to provide long-term sustainable coastal management for the inlet, including reviving oyster reefs, enriching estuarine habitats, improving fish habitats, increasing carbon storage and improving access and recreational opportunities.
The work is part of Australia's largest marine restoration initiative, aimed at bringing shellfish reefs back from the brink of extinction.
Local oyster grower John Ritchie from Ritchie Oysters has been farming oysters for 48 years and said water quality was always an important issue for oyster farmers. He said Narooma had a reputation as a stable environment for oysters.
The first stage of the upgrades includes the installation of the first intertidal oyster reef on the NSW South Coast and NSW's first subtidal oyster reef. More than 1500 metres squared of Sydney Rock Oyster reef habitat will be installed on a degraded section of the foreshore.
Wild oyster spat will gradually inhabit the reef, enhancing water quality and improving the biodiversity and health of the marine ecosystem.
A further 1000 metres squared of subtidal Native Flat Oyster reef habitat will then be created on the sea floor of the nearby 'Deep Hole'.
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Mr Ritchie said depending on the dumping of oyster shells into the water and hoping oysters grew was outdated thinking.
"That is what we did 100 years ago," he said.
"I don't think there will be any benefit to oyster farming."
A Eurobodalla Shire Council spokesperson said the work was to enhance the biodiversity and health of the estuary, not to provide for oyster farmer or broader public harvest.
They said it was particularly intended to encourage any wild Angasi or Native Flat oyster spat in the system to settle there and expediate reef establishment.
The council estimates there will be detours and traffic control for three weeks during the oyster reef restoration stage of the upgrades..
In August and September, work will commence on the second stage of the project: the infrastructure and foreshore restoration. This includes improved accessibility through a new fixed jetty, gangway and floating pontoon.
Mr Ritchie said his main concern for the area was the dominating mangroves.
"I am worried the mangroves will take over down there," he said. "These upgrades might slow them down, which would be great, and make it easier for people to access the sand.
"It'll make the area more attractive for sure."
The Wagonga Inlet Living Shoreline is a collaborative project between Eurobodalla Shire Council, NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Fisheries, The Nature Conservancy Australia (TNC) and the Australian Government.