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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: Noosa Oyster Ecosystem Restoration Project Annual Report Monitoring Update 2024   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.

In a stride for both innovation and representation, we are proud to announce that Bobbie Corbett has been honored with the distinguished Women in Coastal Geoscience and Engineering Award at the Australasian Coasts & Ports 2023 Conference. A shining beacon in the coastal engineering community, Bobbie's paper on the Narrowneck Artificial Reef Renewal was not just a testament to her technical expertise, but also a demonstration of her commitment to pioneering sustainable and innovative solutions in the world of coastal management. This award spotlights the transformative role that research and application by underrepresented groups have in the coastal geoscience and engineering discipline. Recognized for her innovation, technical brilliance, and compelling presentation, Bobbie has undoubtedly etched her mark as a leader and inspiration to aspiring engineers across the globe. The Narrowneck Artificial Reef Renewal project is a remarkable endeavor that underscores the need for sustainable coastal infrastructure solutions. With Bobbie at its helm, the project has showcased a blend of technical know-how with an acute sensitivity to environmental concerns. We at International Coastal Management are elated to have Bobbie on our team and to be part of her groundbreaking journey in coastal engineering. This award is a testament to her dedication, skill, and the transformative power of inclusive innovation. For more insights into our work and the phenomenal contributions of experts like Bobbie, stay tuned to our blog.

In a remarkable moment of pride for our team, we are elated to share that Sam King has been conferred with the prestigious Kevin Stark Memorial Award. This honour was bestowed upon him during the Australasian Coasts & Ports 2023 Conference, a testament to his exceptional work and dedication in the realm of coastal and ocean engineering. Sam's paper, titled "Nature Based Solutions and Oyster Shellfish Reef Restoration in the Noosa River," has been making waves in the coastal engineering community. It not only provides in-depth insights into the Nature Based Solutions but also delves into the nuances of Oyster Shellfish Reef Restoration, particularly its application in the Noosa River. What made this paper stand out among its peers was its exhaustive multi-disciplinary approach, combined with its potential to significantly contribute to the current state of knowledge in the field. Sam’s analytical prowess, combined with practical experience, has helped shed light on innovative and sustainable solutions in a space that demands continuous evolution and adaptation. The Noosa River project, highlighted in the paper, is a beacon of promise. Notably, it was the first endeavour of its magnitude in Queensland, and the results thus far have been nothing short of promising. Such pioneering works underscore the importance of blending scientific knowledge with on-ground applications, something Sam King exemplifies with flair. This award serves as an affirmation of Sam’s dedication, expertise, and the unwavering commitment he brings to every project. We are excited for what the future holds and are confident that with trailblazers like Sam on our team, the horizons of coastal engineering are set to expand even further. Join us in congratulating Sam on this well-deserved recognition.