Oyster Baskets to Make a Splash in Wastewater Filtration Project
Shellfish could hold the key to filtering nutrients in wastewater with a ground-breaking project in Queensland testing their effectiveness.
OzFish Unlimited, Australia’s fishing conservation charity, has teamed up with Unity Water, The University of Sunshine Coast and Healthy Land and Water for a five-year, first-of-its-kind research project on the North Pine River, north of Brisbane.
The project, which began last year, is looking at how much nitrogen can be removed from the wastewater by the deployment of shellfish structures.
These Robust Oyster Baskets (ROBs), which mimic natural shellfish reefs, provide a habitat for oysters and other shellfish to colonise and thrive.
They contribute to enhancing water quality and ecological functionality, while also supporting the growth of valuable shellfish populations.
Some of these ROBs have been growing successfully over the past couple of years at OzFish’s oyster lease and 20 are being relocated into the research sites immediately downstream from the Murrumba Downs Wastewater Treatment Plant.
One adult oyster naturally filters as much as a bathtub of water per day and this project aims to leverage the natural filtering capabilities of shellfish reefs to restore water quality, rebalance ecological systems and create sustainable solutions for nutrient management.
If successful, the project holds the potential to reshape the future of shellfish reef restoration and wastewater treatment practices throughout the country.
It could also demonstrate potential applications in other sectors, including aquaculture – there is a theory that ROBs could be dropped into fish or prawn farms to improve water quality.
Wastewater treatment plants release substantial amounts of nutrients, including nitrogen, into aquatic environments each year.
These excess nutrients often lead to excessive algal growth, disrupting the delicate ecological balance and impeding the recruitment and survival of shellfish and other marine organisms.
Led by Dr Ben Gilby, a senior lecturer and esteemed expert in marine ecology, fish biology, and marine ecosystem management at the University of Sunshine Coast, his team of researchers is exploring the remarkable potential of shellfish in nutrient removal.
“We are thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking initiative,” said Robbie Porter, OzFish’s senior project officer for shellfish reef restoration.
“By joining forces with Unity Water, The University of Sunshine Coast, and Healthy Land and Water, we have a unique opportunity to explore the potential of shellfish reefs in restoring our aquatic ecosystems, improving wastewater treatment practices, and the possibility of supporting sustainable aquaculture.”
This collaborative effort brings together each partner’s expertise, resources, and passion to drive meaningful change in marine conservation and environmental stewardship.
Through this project, OzFish and its partners are committed not only to exploring innovative approaches to shellfish reef restoration and wastewater treatment but also to raising awareness and fostering community engagement.
By involving local communities, businesses, and stakeholders, through the recycling of shells, the project aims to build a strong foundation of support for sustainable practices and inspire positive action.
As the project progresses, updates and findings will be shared with the public, inviting active participation in the journey towards healthier waterways and a healthier future.
This project will be delivered by Unitywater in partnership with University of Sunshine Coast, Healthy Land and Water and OzFish Unlimited. It is also supported by BCF – Boating, Camping, Fishing.
