The primary objective of this project is to promote restoration of native oyster beds alongside the spread of seagrass, one of nature’s most efficient carbon sinks, while enhancing marine biodiversity through the use of oysters as a nature-based solution.
In 2022, the Green Ocean Foundation partnered with the Clew Bay Oyster Co-Op to initiate a seabed restoration effort covering an eventual 180 hectares within Clew Bay.
Clew Bay was once a thriving native oyster fishery. Unfortunately, the oysters were decimated by the arrival of Bonamia ostrea, a microscopic blood parasite which killed most of the oysters.
Given that Clew Bay is a natural oyster habitat, our goal is to create optimal conditions for oyster larvae to settle and eventually form reefs.
Each year, before the oysters spawn, we distribute a light layer of cultch across the seabed in this enclosed area to encourage oyster settlement. This is a mix of scallop, mussel, and oyster shell.
Parts of Clew Bay’s sheltered, and shallow waters also provide an ideal environment for seagrass expansion.
The 180-hectare restoration area is closed to dredging or other disturbance of the seabed. Scientists and the Clew Bay Oyster Co-op oversee the monitoring of the spat settlement. This is done by placing bagged shell on the bottom alongside the shell that was spread. These bags are then later retrieved without disturbing the seabed and evaluated. This work allows the scientists to determine relative settlement rates. Our long-term goal is to complete the restoration of this closed area. As of today, we have successfully spread shell on 20 hectares of seabed.
The Green Ocean Foundation is a ‘not for profit’ organisation that aims to harness the regenerative properties of the ocean by administering and developing specific projects to:
- rebuild nature though biodiversity enhancement,
- sequester atmospheric carbon, and
- protecting the coast from erosion
Apart from the environmental objectives, Green Ocean Foundation aims to provide a platform for scientific research and development and community engagement. This is achieved by involving Universities at different locations and engaging with local communities in the activities through volunteering and outreach sessions in schools / colleges and community groups.
The Green Ocean Foundation also runs an oyster re-introduction project in Dublin Bay.
Contact:
David Lawlor
David.Lawlor@watermark.ie