Oysters hold key to healthy waterways in Far North Queensland

Traditional owners are restoring oyster reefs along the Russell and Mulgrave rivers in far North Queensland as part of a longterm plan to revive the health of the waterways.

Indigenous-owned Jaragun Ecoservices, assisted by scientists from James Cook University, are working on the restoration program, tracking growth and the water quality.

The river system, south of Cairns, was once home to a thriving tropical oyster reef.

But over the year the banks of the rivers have eroded with mangrove swamps slowing recovery.

“Oyster reefs used to protect the mangrove system in particular from erosion,” Jaragun chief executive Liz Owen told the ABC.

Protecting the Great barrier Reef

“They also provide significant water quality improvement and habitat for marine life.”

Oysters are important to tropical coastal ecosystems, butting recent times have been neglected and undervalued.

But large reefs of oysters act as water filters for the rivers, removing nutrients and agricultural herbicides before they reach the Great Barrier Reef.

Bysuing special practice cages the overs are allowed to clump together and grow, which eventually will see them form reefs.

The Federal government has committed more than $72 million since 2021 to oyster reef restoration across the region.

Over 15 years, Jaragun has grown into an effective environmental organisation from a foundation in governance and management advisory services.