In January OzFish will offer two opportunities to mussel up for its scorched mussel restoration trial in Encounter Bay and at the Onkaparinga River.

The first will be on Sunday 4 January at the Bluff Boat Ramp carpark, with the chance to learn about local fish habitats.

Hosted by the OzFish Coorong chapter, the session will make mussel mats in time for the recruitment of baby mussels to boost local fish prey and filter-feeders. 

It will run from 9.30am to 12:30pm and, depending on time and tides, may involve visiting other restoration sites along Franklin Parade.

Volunteers should wear sun-safe gear for working outdoors including long-sleeved shirts, hats, sunscreen and enclosed shoes.

For supporting deployment, reef walkers, waders or dive boots will be needed for working in the intertidal zone, plus towels and clothes that can get wet.

This project is funded by BCF – Boating, Camping, Fishing and supported by the City of Victor Harbor and The Big Duck.

On Sunday 18 January the OzFish Adelaide Chapter will build Mussel Mats for the Pygmy Black mussels that are native to the Onkaparinga River system and thus an integral part of its ecosystem.

This session will start at 10am at Old Noarlunga Hall on Patapinda Road, and will run until 3.30pm, with a light lunch provided. Volunteers should wear waders, gumboots or dive boots for working in the intertidal zone to help with the mat installation, and sun safe gear for working outdoors including long-sleeved shirts, hats and sunscreen.

Safety requirements around steep riverbanks mean this event is strictly for ages 16+; register to attend online.

This project is funded by BCF – Boating, Camping, Fishing and the City of Onkaparinga, with support from Flinders University.