An artificial shellfish reef was installed 100m from shore, parallel to shore, built to resemble a breakwater. The reef was made from cages filled with natural rock and consolidated shell, and was then seeded with mussels. The project has successfully decreased inundation events, increased sand accumulation, and has also led to re-establishment of seagrass in the shallow waters. The project required consent from DELWP Marine & Coastal as well as a Parks Victoria works authority.
Shellfish
Method: Substrate provision, Seeding - aquaculture
Shellfish species: Blue mussels, Mytilus edulis
Seeding density: 2000/m2
Hybrid structure: Natural rock, Consolidated shell (e.g., bags, cages)
Hybrid structure height (m): 0.75 and 0.5m
Hybrid structure width (m): 7m wide, 130m long
Approach
Shellfish
Geographic context
Bay
Organisation responsible
City of Greater Geelong
Primary objective
Coastal protection
Coastal hazard
Erosion, Storms, Flooding
Asset vulnerable
Natural, Recreational, Built
Length of coastline targeted (m)
200
Area of project (ha)
0.1
Date of completion
Jun-18
Cost ($AUD)
$430,000
Source of project funding
Local government
Project approvals needed
State
Living Shorelines – Ramblers Road Foreshore
Project details © Geelong City Council
Images © Ralph Roob