SHELL PRESERVATION

Shucking oysters is a summer indulgence we’re all well-versed with, but what happens to the shells once the delicacies are devoured? Typically they end up in landfill, but volunteers are helping to change the tide with a new recycling and ecosystem restoration project based in Brisbane’s Moreton Bay. A first in Australia, the community-driven shellfish reef restoration project will build more than 50,000 Robust Oyster Baskets (ROBs) filled with recycled oyster shells that have been collected from restaurants then sterilised. These are then used as base structures for baby oysters to grow on, which also filters seawater and encourages biodiversity. ozfish.org.au