When a South Australian research duo set out to restore native oyster reefs along the ocean floor, they had no idea their efforts would become a key feature of a state government plan to combat a major ecological disaster.

Long before the toxic algal bloom began wreaking havoc on South Australia's marine life, Eyre Lab director Manny Katz and University of Adelaide research fellow Dominic McAfee began a three-year project to construct artificial oyster reefs.

Once spanning over 7,000 kilometres of coastline, native oyster reefs were decimated during the 19th century by Europeans.

First started in 2023, the restoration project has now gained recognition from the Australian Geographic Society, recently taking home a Bronze Tier award and a $20,000 grant.

Australian Geographic Society c

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