Upscaling oyster reef and mangrove restoration in GBR catchments

Chief Investigator

This project builds on successful, community-driven habitat restoration initiatives that will contribute to improved ecological health and biodiversity in Great Barrier Reef (GBR) catchments. The project will deliver a multi-habitat project that will restore oyster reefs and mangrove wetlands, resulting in improved structural habitat complexity and biodiversity at the restoration sites. The project will be implemented through a series of coordinated, community-led activities across several key locations. The Project will focus on 3 key themes: 1. Community Engagement: Engaging local communities directly in habitat restoration activities, fostering a sense of ownership and stewardship. 2. Educational Programs: Providing educational opportunities to raise awareness about the importance of marine habitats and biodiversity. 3. Volunteer Training: Training new volunteers to participate in restoration activities, including monitoring and maintenance. Services required As per the project application: Support for project monitoring and maintenance activities, including flora and fauna surveys and assistance with water quality monitoring. Deliverables for this project for James Cook University (TropWATER) are: 1. Program Design and Site Prioritisation – Attend and contribute to monthly project working group meetings. Contribute technical expertise to key discussions (as required) on prioritisation of restoration sites, restoration methods and Development Approval requirements for restoration works. 2. Stakeholder Meetings – Attend and (where relevant) facilitate key stakeholder meetings with potential project partners, including Port of Gladstone, North QLD Bulk Ports and others. 3. Environmental Monitoring 01 – Prepare an environmental monitoring program, that contains detailed information on methods and timing of data collection for flora, fauna and water quality. Monitoring will include (but is not limited to) surveys of restoration sites to assess oyster recruitment, density and growth of mangrove propagules, biodiversity assessments of fish and invertebrate communities and water quality assessments. 4. Environmental Monitoring 02 – Complete of a minimum of one monitoring event (including flora, fauna and water quality surveys) at each prioritised restoration site each quarter (every three months), starting in July 2025 to December 2027. Results are to be presented to OzFish in the form of technical summary reports prior to payment of each of Milestones 2 – 5 (see Schedule 1). 5. Project Promotion – Work with OzFish Unlimited and Reef Catchments’ project delivery and communications teams to promote project events, delivery and outcomes. 6. Final Project Report – Produce a summary technical report, detailing the findings from flora and fauna surveys, as well as water quality data. Due Date – 25 February 2028 Deliverables may be adjusted pending the initial scope of works discussions, and development of the monitoring program, with both parties (JCU and OzFish) to agree and sign any new deliverables. In preparing this funding grant, discussions with JCU staff agreed to include a proportion of the budget to award a PhD research scholoship as part of an Industry/JCU scholarship. Provision has been made in the budget for 50% contribution through this project towards the PhD scholarship, under the provision that JCU will contribute 50% towards the PhD scholarship ($65,000, ex GST). This PhD Scholarship expands the ability to complete the research component of this project – value adding to the overall project objectives. Should JCU not support a 50% industry scholarship contribution, than the funding allocated will be consolidated into the total contract amount for JCU staff to use to complete the project.

05 Aug 2025 - 31 Mar 2028

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