Project title
The Native Oyster (Ostrea edulis) Restoration Opportunity: Optimising site selection criteria to improve success in restoration longevity
Project abstract
Ostrea edulis populations have been globally decimated as a direct result of human disturbance. Due to the species' global decline and the rarity of undisturbed oyster habitats, identifying truly optimal habitats is yet to be explored. Loch Ryan is home to Scotland’s only wild O. edulis fishery, with an estimated population of 23 million. This provides a unique opportunity to study oysters where human disturbance can be accounted for. Scotland is also host to two large restoration projects where ~190’000 oysters have already been restored.
This study aims to determine optimal environmental conditions for Ostrea edulis from existing beds and restored areas. A deeper understanding of these conditions will improve confidence in restoration longevity in locations where the species was historically present.
This will be applied to the wider study by helping determine optimum restoration locations, in Orkney and Gibraltar, at the latitudinal limits of the species geographic range.