Building with Nature: Using Potato Waste to Restore NSW Oyster Reefs

Oysters once formed extensive reefs across coastal NSW but less than 10% remain. Restoration projects aimed at increasing substrate for reef growth typically deploy oyster shell in plastic mesh bags. We will test the applicability of 3D mesh constructed from potato waste for rehabilitating lost NSW oyster reefs, and their important ecosystem services, across a range of seascape settings. The mesh biodegrades slowly so has the potential to leave behind oyster reefs with no remnant debris. If successful, the technology will not only boost oysters and their associated ecosystem services, but mitigate considerable amounts of plastic waste entering the environment.