NORA
The Native Oyster Restoration Alliance (NORA) supports the protection and ecological restoration of Ostrea edulis, the native European oyster (also known as the flat oyster) and its habitat in areas of its current or historical distribution. The aim is to overcome existing barriers to the conservation, restoration and recovery of this ecologically important species. To this end, NORA has developed into a hub for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
1. Cooperation & network building
- joining forces with researchers, NGOs, oyster growers, industry, European institutions and national governments for the restoration and protection of flat oyster reefs
2. Knowledge exchange & community building
- organising bi-annual conferences and other meetings
- supporting working groups on specific topics
3. Knowledge management & infrastructure
- offering a restoration project database
4. Knowledge transfer, communication & outreach
- providing publications and outreach material on various levels
Latest articles
Loch Sween MPA / Scotland: Native oysters say “No” to hand gathering!
18th July 2026
Four new signs have now been installed at key intertidal access points around Loch Sween MPA (Marine Protected Area), raising awareness of the legal protections surrounding native oysters and the urgent need to safeguard this fragile population. Cass Bromley, NatureScot Marine Enhancement
NORA6 – Working together for oyster restoration – a first impression
27th November 2025
From 24th to 27th of November, about 180 representatives of the NORA community get together in an inspiring conference setting at the Faculty of Business Sciences, Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena, Spain. The Organising Committee, the Scientific Committee and the local Spanish team
Latest projects
BLUE CONNECT
focusses on strict protection, restoration and co-management of Marine Protected Areas
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mieke.eggermont@ugent.be
mieke.eggermont@ugent.be
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more…
North Sea ReViFES –
lessons from wild reefs and restoration techniques
Knowledge and evidence essential for restoration of biogenic reefs
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NORAexpert
Karin Didderen
(Waardenburg Ecology/ BESE)
k.didderen@waardenburg.eco
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more…