Native oyster habitat restoration efforts have frequently reported difficulties in sourcing Ostrea edulis.
We collected data from restoration projects and native oyster producers around Europe through a series of questionnaires and workshops to quantify and characterise the nature of the challenge in native oyster supply, as well as a vision for oyster supply in the future. These data were used to inform the development of a strategic road map to upscaling Ostrea edulis hatchery supply in Europe to meet future restoration demand.
The strategic roadmap was developed during a two-day workshop with oyster hatchery managers and experts from Europe, Australia and the USA in October 2025. Key themes of training and skills, market forces, product requirements, oyster movementand restorative aquaculture were discussed. A vision and six recommendations were developed.
Download:
Hatchery-up-scaling-roadmap-public-consultation.pdf
Vision 2030
Hatchery production is increased such that production of Ostrea edulis is sufficient to meet the tailored demands of Europe-wide restoration efforts. The oyster industry and restoration community understand product requirements and appropriate sourcing. Clear, consistent and feasible regulation of the movement of oysters from/to restoration areas, that reflects current knowledge advancement. Sufficient skill base available to European native oyster hatcheries.
Recommendations
Recommendation 1: Increase market confidence in the demand for native oysters
Recommendation 2: Secure diverse investment for market growth
Recommendation 3: Develop decision support tool to identify suitable seed production at the project level
Recommendation 4: Address critical knowledge gaps in disease monitoring and the genetics of disease resistance
Recommendation 5: Develop accessible guidance on movement of oysters for restoration purposes
Recommendation 6: Build skills and capacity in hatcheries
The full recommendations and roadmap to action can be viewed via the download-link above.
Comments on all aspects of the roadmap are welcome. Please send comments to philine.zuermgassen@cantab.net . This consultation will close on 5th January 2026
The project is funded by The Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes Programme, managed by the Cambridge Conservation Initiative in partnership with Arcadia. and led by The Zoological Society of London, University of Portsmouth, University of Edinburgh and Blue Marine Foundation.
