ICM collaborated on the first large-scale oyster reef restoration project in Queensland, designing oyster reef systems to restore habitat in the Noosa River Estuary. The project, implemented in a highly developed area, successfully enhanced ecosystem health while preserving the estuary's delicate balance.
Project Details
Client: The Nature Conservancy, in partnership with the Noosa Shire Council and The Thomas Foundation, with funding from the Australian Government Reef builder program
Date: 2021-2022
Location: Noosa River, Queensland, Australia
About This Project
The Challenge:
Restoring oyster reefs in the Noosa River Estuary presented unique challenges due to its highly developed surroundings, sensitive marine ecosystems, and proximity to busy navigation channels. The project required designs that balanced ecological restoration with minimal disruption to human activity and marine vegetation, including seagrasses.
The Solution:
ICM delivered a multi-phase approach to overcome these challenges:
Oyster Reef Design: Developed three reef layouts tailored to varying site conditions, including sediment transport rates, water currents, and bathymetry. Designs focused on stability, manual seeding potential, and compatibility with monitoring programs.
Site-Specific Design: Detailed designs for Phase 1 sites addressed unique factors like sediment characteristics, nearby vegetation, and human-use constraints. To limit marine plant impacts, reefs were placed using strict offset criteria.
Construction Supervision: Collaborated with M&J Marine Services to construct 2,300m² of reefs across four sites, using a barge-mounted excavator for rock placement. ICM provided technical oversight, confirming placement accuracy with RTK GNSS technology and ensuring substrate stability.
Outcomes and Benefits:
Ongoing monitoring by The Nature Conservancy confirms the project's ecological success. The project restored 500 meters of shoreline habitat, providing critical ecosystem services such as water filtration, sediment stabilisation, and biodiversity enhancement. Ongoing monitoring has revealed:
High Oyster Density: Post-construction surveys showed densities exceeding 550 oysters per m², well above the 200 per m² target for healthy reef development.
Increased Biodiversity: The reefs have become hotspots for marine life, supporting fish, invertebrates, and other estuarine species.
Coastal Protection: The reefs stabilised sediment and reduced erosion, creating a natural buffer that protects the shoreline.
“This project demonstrates how innovative, site-specific designs can restore vital habitats while coexisting with human and environmental needs.” - Sam King, Project Lead, International Coastal Management
Services Provided:
Oyster Reef Layout Design
Site-Specific Detailed Design
Safety In Design Assessment
RPEQ-Certified Engineering Drawings
State Code Assessments
Permit Application Preparation
Construction Supervision and Inspection
As-Constructed Drawings with RPEQ Certification
Project Documents:
Get in Touch:
ICM excels in designing and delivering eco-engineering solutions for habitat restoration and marine biodiversity. Contact us to explore how we can help achieve your conservation and restoration goals.