Oyster reefs serve many biodiversity functions but are at risk globally with an estimated 85pc loss worldwide.
A new research project is underway to restore native flat oyster reefs and boost the resilience of Ireland’s coasts, with €1.5m in funding from the Marine Institute’s Marine Research Programme.
Called BRICONS, the five-year project is led by Dr Paul Brooks from the School of Biology and Environmental Science at University College Dublin (UCD) and includes partners at Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) and Trinity College Dublin (TCD).
The aim of BRICONS is to investigate novel approaches to restoring native oyster reefs around Ireland’s coasts, contributing to the protection and recovery of marine habitats, and demonstrating how these reefs can serve as viable nature-based solutions for managing coastal change and sustaining marine biodiversity.
The research team will work with Irish ports, harbour authorities and coastal community groups to establish pilot restoration sites.
Native oysters provide many ecosystem services, including improving water quality by filtering algae and organic matter and removing excess nutrients from the water.
If undisturbed, oysters form complex reef structures which provide habitats and refuge for a diversity of organisms, including juvenile fish, crabs, sea snails and sponges. However, oyster reefs are globally imperilled, with an estimated 85pc loss worldwide due to fishing activities, pollution, habit destruction and the climate crisis.
“This project aims to evaluate how nature-based solutions such as oyster reef restoration can enhance the resilience of our coasts and marine ecosystems,” said Brooks.
“We will assess how these reefs can stabilise sediments, improve biodiversity, enhance water quality and provide a natural buffer to the impacts of climate change, all while supporting the sustainable use of our harbours and ports.”
The project team includes UCD’s Dr Md Salauddin, ATU’s Dr José M Fariñas-Franco, QUB’s Dr Annika Clements and TCD’s Dr Nessa O’Connor. The funding will support five research positions across these institutions to build capacity in this important area of research, the team said.
“The Marine Institute is delighted to support the BRICONS project, which exemplifies the strength of north–south collaboration and the value of science in shaping sustainable coastal management,” said Dr Niall McDonough, the director of Policy, Innovation and Research Services at the Marine Institute.
“Restoring native oyster reefs offers an exciting opportunity to enhance biodiversity, improve ecosystem resilience and deliver real climate action through nature-based solutions.”
Last year, an international team of researchers mapped the extent of historic native oyster reefs across Europe, revealing that these reefs were once a dominant feature of European coastlines.
Don’t miss out on the knowledge you need to succeed. Sign up for the Daily Brief, Silicon Republic’s digest of need-to-know sci-tech news.
