Development of hydrodynamic larval dispersal model for Northern Ireland’s sea loughs

Ulster Wildlife has been awarded funding through the DAERA Environment Fund 2023-28, to carry out targeted species restoration of native oyster in Northern Ireland’s coastal marine area. The project is within the wider work area of ‘Accelerating Blue Recovery’. Native oyster (Ostrea edulis) populations have in many regions been severely impacted by overfishing, habitat loss, pollution, and disease. Conservation and restoration efforts are crucial to protect and enhance native oysters in natural ecosystems, helping to restore and recover the marine environment. Ulster Wildlife are committed to the restoration of native oyster communities as these keystone species provide important ecosystem services, improving biodiversity, aiding coastal protection, and helping mitigate the impacts of climate change.