BIDHIINJA: restoring our oyster reefs

Oyster reefs were once a dominant part of our seascape. More than 99% of natural oyster reefs are now considered ‘functionally extinct’ – decimated by a combination of historical overfishing, habitat destruction, catchment clearing and water-quality degradation, land reclamation and disease.

 

A new exhibition developed by the Australian National Maritime Museum in collaboration with NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI), Bidhiinja tells the forgotten history of oyster reefs in New South Wales and the work now underway to restore these important ecosystems. Bidhiinja invites audiences to learn about the past, present and future of Australia’s oyster reefs.

 

This exhibition combines First Nations knowledge, western science, and design, including illustrations by exhibition artist and Yaegl woman Frances Belle Parker.

 

Bidhiinja is presented by the Australian National Maritime Museum in collaboration with NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) NSW Oyster Reef Restoration Project.

 

Image courtesy of Frances Belle Parker.