NSW to host the international shellfish restoration conference

4 Mar 2020

The world’s foremost shellfish restoration experts and scientists will converge on Port Stephens this month (17th – 20th March 2020) for the 20th International conference, NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) Senior Fisheries Manager, Kylie Russell, said today.

NSW Department of Primary Industries staff will host international experts from the USA, UK, Europe and New Zealand for the four day conference.

“Local specialists from Port Stephens and Australia, will delve deep into a wide range of topics related to shellfish reef restoration, at the home of NSW’s first large-scale oyster reef restoration project, within the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park,” Ms Russell said.

“Shellfish reefs are one the most impacted marine ecosystems in the world. It has been estimated that 85 per cent have been lost globally and as much as 99 per cent impacted in Australia.

“Shellfish restoration efforts and research are growing globally each year to restore and rebuild these important habitats and the many ecosystem services they provide to coastal communities.

“We will discuss project planning and monitoring, the latest research, restoration in a changing climate, maximising ecosystem services, innovation in restoration, working with local communities, collaboration and partnerships, biosecurity and several more relevant topics.“

Ms Russell said the conference will provide an exciting opportunity to progress the science and practice of shellfish reef restoration by providing a forum to share ideas, experiences and advances from leaders in diverse fields from around the globe in a truly spectacular location.

“The International Conference on Shellfish Restoration 2020 will take place within the traditional lands of the Worimi people on the shores of the magnificent Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park. The Marine Park is extremely unique as it’s home to an extensive and diverse array of marine habitats which delegates will have the opportunity to view and engage with during the field trip component of the conference,” Ms Russell said.

To view the full program, register for the conference or to find out more, please visit the conference website.

The NSW Oyster Reef Restoration Project is a key action being delivered under the NSW Government’s Marine Estate Management Strategy (2018-2028).

Platinum sponsors of the conference are the Fisheries Research Development Corporation, the South Australian Government's Department for Environment and Water, and The Nature Conservancy. Support is also provided by Hunter Local Land Services, Port Stephens Council and the Sydney Institute of Marine Science.

Media contact: 02 6391 3686