Chamara Benthotage

My current research is focused on leaf oysters, a reef-forming bivalve, and its resilience against various water quality stressors in NSW estuaries. The leaf oyster distribution in several northern NSW estuaries is assessed. Leaf oyster reef health and condition together with a range of water quality factors including pH, heavy metals, sedimentation and microbial loads are investigated at the leaf oyster habitats. In addition, immune characterisation, trace metal accumulation and shell chemistry of the leaf oysters are also assessed in order to assess their potential application in shellfish reef restoration at the sites of declined reefs.