Shellfish Reef Building Program in Australia
Australia
Shellfish reefs serve as natural ecosystem engineers, purifying water and providing habitat for hundreds of marine species.
Since this initiative’s launch, it has helped remove nearly 15 tonnes of nutrient pollution, boost fish stocks, and has achieved significant biodiversity gains.
This restoration project has generated over 425 jobs by supporting over 50 small and medium sized businesses, which helps to reconnect coastal communities with nature and promote stewardship of the marine environment.
The initiative in numbers
62
Hectares under restoration
300
Hectares to be restored by 2030
"Shellfish reefs are natural solutions to some of our greatest conservation challenges, and Reef Builder has shown that restoring them at a national scale is not only possible— it’s transformative. This recognition as a UN World Restoration Flagship highlights Australia’s leadership in marine ecosystem recovery. Reef Builder is delivering real benefits for nature and communities alike; supporting local jobs, strengthening coastal resilience, and revitalising biodiversity along our shorelines."
Senator the Hon. Murray Watt, Minister for the Environment and Water, Australia