This project recognises the potential productivity benefits to be generated through application of recent significant scientific advances in the restoration of degraded intertidal habitats. To date though, an integrated whole-of-estuary case study which prioritises repair on net benefit to the estuary to ensure high ecological and economic cost-benefit for all commercial species has not been completed. This project is the first phase of such a study is in the Clarence, the largest NSW estuary with the largest commercial inshore fishery.

The project will:

1. determine potential increases in fishery productivity using School and Eastern King Prawn as readily understood community indicators of fisheries productivity: and
2. link habitat with existing fisheries production by understanding the connections between habitat and hydrology with the aim of identifying key opportunities for establishing connectivity, habitat and fisheries productivity.