As reported in our March 2017 Mail-out, the Marine Life Society of South Australia is assisting the Port River Shellfish Restoration Project Group in its efforts to rebuild some natural reefs in the Port River system. Catherine McMahon, Executive Officer for the Estuary Care Foundation says, “We see restoration of the Port River and Barker Inlet as a long-term project and we want to:

  • investigate and understand which shellfish species are thriving in the Port River system. Species of special interest include our Native Oyster Ostrea angasi and Pinna bicolor (Razor fish) Mussels, Cockles and some feral introduced species.
  • Produce some pictorial sub-surface species profiles in and around our experimental sites. This could be prior to our oysters going out and during the time that we have them out, and are hoping for their survival.
  • Produce photographic and video material that we can share with the local high schools involved in our project and on the website we are developing.
  • Produce photographic and video material that can be shared on a site like bowerbird that can inform interested individuals and the scientific community.”

The group won the Emerging Event or Group of the Year Award at the City of Port Adelaide’s Australia Day Awards Ceremony. According to a write-up in the Council’s “Pen 2 Paper” newsletter, the group “Promotes inclusion of young people through community-based citizen science opportunities . . . . The group conducts important local research on oyster colonisation, contributes to efforts to improve water quality and stabilising our shoreline from erosion due to impacts of climate change.”

Here are some photos of oysters found in the North Arm of the Port River by Steve Reynolds recently: –

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By Steve Reynolds

Steve Reynolds is the current President of MLSSA and is a long-standing member of the Society. Steve is a keen diver, underwater explorer, photographer and is chief author of the Society's extensive back catalogue of newsletters and journals.

2 thought on “Assisting the Port River Shellfish Restoration Project Group”
  1. Steve I am the diver who helped recover the childrens library recently.Thank you for your help on the day.I certainly would like to join your group and below are my details.Ph 82951621 Warren Reid.

    1. Hi Warren, you did a great job that day. You’re more than welcome to join us, esp. if you want to do more river dives. I’ll send you the link to our membership application form for you to complete and return to us. Steve

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