Colonists dredged away Sydney's natural oyster reefs. Now, scientists know how best to restore them

New research has identified optimal design for artificial habitats to support restoration of oyster reefs, based on a detailed understanding of natural oyster reef geometry. Published in the global journal Nature, the Sydney-based study shows the complex shapes of natural oyster reefs are not random—their structure and arrangement optimize the establishment and survival of developing oysters and their protection from predators.