The ecology of the estuarine area includes and is dependent on the health of its component parts: the waters, intertidal zone, and lands on the shore. The area includes breeding and feeding grounds for several species of fish and prawn (in particular western king prawns and King George Whiting) a combination of resident and migratory birds (including a rookery), and a sanctuary for dolphins. The area is also home to the largest area of mangrove forest, shallow seagrasses and mudflats in Gulf St Vincent. Attempts are being made to restore the once extensive reefs of shellfish, including native mud oysters ("ostrea angasi"), cockles and razorfish ("pinna bicolor"), which had almost disappeared since European settlement.