Conservationists are helping native oysters bounce back from extinction in Glenarm with a new nursery on the Antrim coast.
The ocean superheroes were once abundant below in the area’s waters but died out because of overfishing, pollution, disease and invasive species.
To this day, evidence of their shells can still be seen along the shoreline.
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Now Ulster Wildlife has sourced 800 mature native oysters from Loch Ryan in Scotland and given them a new home at Glenarm Marina.
Already the new additions, which boost biodiversity and reduce water pollution levels, are estimated to have filtered and cleaned up to 810 bathtubs worth of seawater.
Dr David Smyth, Senior Conservation Officer with Ulster Wildlife, said: “Despite their small size and insignificant appearance, oysters can bring huge benefits to our marine environment.
“Already, they have started to filter and clean 162,000 litres of seawater at Glenarm per day, equivalent to 810 bathtubs. And, this summer, they will reproduce, releasing the next generation of oysters onto the seabed to form oyster reefs, providing nursery grounds for fish and shelter for marine creatures.
“This is a win-win for nature: restoring oysters creates healthier and more resilient seas and their reefs store carbon – crucial if we are to tackle the nature and climate crisis.”
The native oysters (Ostrea edulis) were screened for disease and cleaned on arrival before being installed in 30 purpose built cages over the edges of the marina’s pontoons.
It is hoped they will release up to 800 million oyster larvae into surrounding waters every year, to help revive the species.
Mid-East Antrim Borough Council, which manages the marina, welcomed the nursery.
Mayor, Alderman Noel Williams, said: “We are thrilled to be playing our part in restoring this endangered native species. Nestled at the bottom of the Glens of Antrim, Glenarm Marina is the perfect spot to help revive native oysters. As well as increasing water clarity and quality, the project will also deliver enhanced biodiversity and provide rich cultural value to the area. I look forward to seeing this initiative grow and thrive over the next few years.”
Ulster Wildlife is appealing for volunteers in the local area to help monitor the oysters as they settle into their new home.
This involves conducting regular health checks to assess growth rates and surveying wildlife around the cages – email volunteering@ulsterwildlife.org to find out more.
This is the charity’s second native oyster nursery, the first was opened in 2022 at Bangor Marina.
The Glenarm oyster nursery is funded by the DAERA Blue Carbon Fund and supported by Wilson Resources.
Find out more at ulsterwildlife.org/native-oysters
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