Marine scientists urge protection for endangered shellfish reefs

Shellfish reefs, formed by oysters or mussels in or near estuaries, have declined by up 99% since British colonisation

Marine scientists are lobbying the federal government to ensure protection for Australia's most endangered - but least known - ocean ecosystem.

Shellfish reefs, formed by millions of oysters or mussels clustering together in or near the mouths of estuaries, have declined by up 99% since British colonisation.