Razorfish to the rescue: A Ceramic Solution to Restore Kangaroo Island's Native Oyster Populations

Native flat oysters were once abundant in the waters surrounding Kangaroo Island. These oysters, known as angasi oysters were once an important food source for the Indigenous people of the region, who harvested them using traditional methods for thousands of years. However, with the arrival of European settlers in the 19th century, the oyster populations began to decline rapidly due to overfishing, habitat destruction, and the introduction of non-native species.

In the early 20th century, efforts were made to restore the native flat oyster populations of Kangaroo Island’s waters. Hatcheries were established to breed and grow juvenile oysters, which were then transplanted to suitable habitats in the surrounding waters. While these efforts were initially successful, the oyster populations continued to face numerous challenges, including disease outbreaks, predation, and environmental degradation.

Today, the native flat oyster populations in Kangaroo Island’s waters remain low, and the oysters are considered a threatened species. But there is new hope for their survival and prosperity, as local marine scientists and oyster farmers have discovered an unlikely hero – razorfish.

Learn more www.greatsouthernreef.com/razorfish-reefs

Video by Stefan Andrews | Ocean Imaging
www.theocean.com.au

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government
through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.

The University of Tasmania School of Creative Arts and Media
supported Jane Bamford’s artist in residency.

Studio Imagery of razorfish forms by
Peter Whyte Photography

Imagery of angasi oysters
by Yvonne Young | https://theoysterprovince.com.au/

Imagery of native osyters by
Yvonne Young – Oyster Province

Special thanks:
Kangaroo Island Shellfish
Kingscote Men’s Shed
Bob Nicholson
The Oyster Farm Shop American River
Goolwa Pipi Harvesting Company
Paul Dee
RecFishSA
A & G Willson Earthmovers
Kangaroo Island Council
SeaLink
Jack Parker
Graeme Connell
Kangaroo Island Boat Hire
Kangaroo Island Community Education
All our supporters in the Kangaroo Island community

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