Scaling-up marine restoration efforts in Australia

[Extract] Some 29% of Australian estuaries are considered to be 'extensively modified' or 'modified' – particularly those in the east, south-east and south-west (NLWRA 2002). Additional nearshore marine habitats (notably once extensive oyster reefs and mussel beds) are functionally extinct throughout most of Australia, and most Australians are unaware this loss has even occurred (Beck et al. 2011; Alleway & Connell 2015). These declines follow the global norm and come as no surprise. What is surprising then, is that despite Australia’s global reputation as a leader in marine science, natural resource management and national landcare initiatives, restoration of marine environments has been largely 'off the radar' in terms of the national agenda.... So what needs to occur to galvanize public and private support for large-scale marine restoration efforts? Below are five key elements that we believe need increased attention in order to increase the scale of marine restoration to levels that are ecologically, socially and economically meaningful.