Restoring Australia’s Lost Oyster Reefs
The Nautical Nerds is an Australian environmental charity working to restore lost oyster reef ecosystems, improve water quality and help marine life thrive for generations to come.
WHO WE ARE
Science, conservation and a healthy dose of curiosity.
The Nautical Nerds is an Australian environmental charity dedicated to protecting and restoring marine ecosystems, with a focus on the Great Barrier Reef and the waterways that connect to it.
Through science, conservation, education and community action, we aim to turn knowledge into practical outcomes for the marine environment.
Our Focus
What We’re Working On
LATEST NEWS
Latest News & Insights
Follow our restoration work, marine science and the latest news from the Great Barrier Reef.
IUCN‑Melbourne Assessment Flags All Australian Reefs as Critically Endangered
A joint global assessment released on 22 October 2026 finds every one of Australia’s 17 reef ecosystems now classified as Critically Endangered,…
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Great Barrier Reef Coral Cover Shows Mixed Trends in 2026 Survey
The latest Long‑Term Monitoring Program data reveal a modest rise in hard coral cover in the northern and central sectors of the…
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Study Links Common Sunscreen Chemicals to Harmful Effects on Coral
A National Academy of Sciences report released in August 2022, summarised in a NOAA Ocean Service brief dated September 2026, details how…
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Indigenous Protected Areas Receive New Funding to Expand Sea Country Conservation
A report released on 11 May 2026 outlines $11.6 million of Australian Government funding under the Oceans Leadership Package to grow Indigenous…
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Testing Modular Artificial Reef Units: Concrete vs Engineered Cementitious Composite
A recent study compared reinforced‑concrete and engineered cementitious composite reef modules, measuring weight, dimensions and mechanical performance through full‑scale tests using 3D‑printed…
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Drilling Deep into Australia’s Ancient Coral Past Reveals Devonian Secrets
A Geoscience Australia project drilled a 3 km hole near the Adelvale Basin in outback Queensland, uncovering a 400‑million‑year‑old reef composed of…
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Giant Clam Shell Reveals Hidden Climate Patterns Across the Little Ice Age
Analysis of a 30‑year‑old Tridacna gigas from Jiigurru lagoon, partnered with Walmbaar and Nguurruumungu corporations, provides month‑by‑month temperature data showing cooler summers…
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Innovative Coral Seeding Devices Show Strong Early Survival in Keppel Islands Trial
A pioneering experiment in the Keppel Islands deployed engineered reef modules that achieved over 90 percent live coral cover after ten months,…
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Structural Complexity Boosts Coral Recruitment on Degraded Reefs
Field experiments adding artificial structures to low‑lying reefs in the Philippines show a dramatic increase in coral settlement, highlighting structural complexity as…
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Be Part of the Solution
Protecting our marine environment takes people willing to get involved. Whether you support our work, partner with us or help spread the word, every contribution helps turn practical restoration into lasting impact.
WHY IT MATTERS
Restoring More Than Reefs
Healthy marine ecosystems support biodiversity, protect coastlines and strengthen the communities that depend on them. Our work is focused on practical, science-led restoration that can create lasting benefits for the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding waterways.
OUR MISSION
Restore. Protect. Educate.
Restoring marine habitats, protecting the ecosystems around them, and sharing what we learn along the way.