Engineering a sustainable future: CDU students’ oyster project earns top honours

Three students’ efforts to reduce erosion on a remote island by introducing new homes for oysters have been recognised with a prestigious Community Partner Award.

Charles Darwin University (CDU) students Ruby Hatfield, Md Muhibur Rahman Suhel (Ryan), and Moneya Islam - who are studying Environmental Science, Information Technology, and Civil Engineering respectively – presented their project at the 2024 Engineers Without Borders (EWB) Challenge in Sydney. 

The annual challenge required students to respond to one of six design areas, including the team’s chosen topic of climate change. 

14 teams represented their respective universities as finalists.

Mr Suhel said their project was inspired by the urgent issue of coastal erosion on Saibai Island – an island in the Torres Strait, just 4km from Papua New Guinea – which has been exacerbated by mangrove clearing for boat access. 

He said the Saibai Island community relied on the coastal environment for their livelihoods and cultural practices, so preserving the area was crucial.

“Our solution involves creating ecologically engineered oyster reef breakwater structures,” he said. 

“These structures leverage the natural capabilities of oyster reefs to dissipate wave energy and stabilize sediment along the exposed shoreline.

“We used robust oyster baskets filled with recycled materials like oyster shells and concrete, allowing oyster larvae to settle and grow, promoting the formation of a sustainable reef that protects against erosion.”

Ms Hatfield said receiving the Community Partner Award for their efforts was amazing moment for her team.

“I did not expect it because there were so many great ideas in the room, but we focused on community engagement because it's a really important aspect of the project,” she said.

“The showcase was a fantastic experience – I really enjoyed meeting other students and discussing their ideas.”

Mr Suhel said the project also highlighted the need for cross-disciplinary collaboration during the design process after one team member’s research unearthed an unusual disclaimer should their design be implemented.

“During the showcase, judges asked whether the oysters could be harvested for commercial consumption,” he said.

“Moneya's research revealed that the nearby Fly River from Papua New Guinea carries dangerous substances from mining sites, making the oysters unsafe to eat. 

“The TSIRC representative was very impressed that we managed to find this nuanced information.”