Sydney Cockle (Anadara trapezia) is a ubiquitous species across south-eastern Australian estuaries. The species is commercially and recreationally fished, but has also been an important food for Aboriginal fishers for thousands of years. Poor environmental conditions coupled with high exploitation appear to have led to depressed stocks across multiple estuaries, and recent investigations show that some culturally important fishing areas appear to have seen complete extirpation of the species. Here, we explore contextual fisheries issues alongside our emerging understanding of fisheries ecology for Sydney Cockle, and highlight the potential role of restocking in addressing bottlenecks that currently constrain access to the resource by cultural fishers. We conclude by presenting the results and early outcomes of pilot rearing and releases, and highlight challenges and opportunities for the program in the future.