Within the Green Ocean Dublin Bay Oyster Re-Introduction project, 50 “Oyster Gardens” across marinas in Dun Laoghaire, Malahide and the River Liffey at Poolbeg were installed in November 2023. These Oyster Gardens consist of marine baskets with oysters, suspended one meter underwater from pontoon walkways. The Green Ocean Foundation works closely together with local communities and universities.
Green Ocean Foundation
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.
There are currently 2 marine restoration projects underway at present: the Dublin Bay Oyster Re-Introduction Project, see below, and the Clew Bay Habitat Restoration Project.
Dublin Bay Oyster Re-Introduction Project
The goal of this project is to establish a self-sustaining brood stock of oysters in Dublin Bay, which, over 15 to 20 years, will develop into reefs. These reefs will support the growth of seagrass and seaweed beds, creating a natural defence against coastal erosion.
In November 2023, we installed 50 “Oyster Gardens” across marinas in Dun Laoghaire, Malahide, and the River Liffey at Poolbeg. These Oyster Gardens consist of marine baskets suspended one meter underwater from pontoon walkways, allowing oysters to filter seawater from their marina surroundings. Each basket contains 10 to 15 adult oysters and is specifically designed to maximise the oysters’ spawning potential. During July and August, each female oyster releases between 1 million and 1.5 million eggs, which, once fertilised, attach to hard surfaces such as harbour walls, rocks, or other oysters.
Students from University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin are conducting scientific studies on the health and reproductive success of the oysters. In the first year, oyster mortality was kept below 3%, and we observed evidence of spat settlement following the spawning season in the summer of 2024.
In October 2024, we are expanding the Dublin Bay project by adding more Oyster Gardens in both new and existing locations to further enhance the restoration efforts.
The existing locations installed in November 2023 are in:
- Dun Laoghaire Marina (30 Oyster Gardens) 53°17’49.6″N 6°08’04.6″W
- Malahide Marina (10 Oyster Gardens) 53°27’20.0″N 6°09’13.0″W (NOREAN)
- Poolbeg Marina (10 Oyster Gardens) 53°20’37.5″N 6°12’58.4″W
The new locations being installed in October 2024 are:
- Howth Marina (30 Oyster Gardens) 53°23’19.5″N 6°03’59.4″W
- Dun Laoghaire (National Yacht Club) (15 Oyster Gardens) 53°17’37.8″N 6°07’48.7″W
- Dun Laoghaire (Royal St George Yacht Club) (15 Oyster Gardens) 53°17’44.9″N 6°07’53.3″W
- Malahide Marina (10 Oyster Gardens) 53°27’20.0″N 6°09’13.0 (NOREAN)
Photos: Green Ocean Foundation
In the long term, findings will be used to inform the broader restoration of oysters within Dublin Bay and biodiversity strategies put forward by local legislators to comply with National and European strategies on promoting and conserving native species that enhance ecosystem services.
Contacts
David Lawlor
David.Lawlor@watermark.ie