An oyster nursery in Belfast Harbour will help restore the native population of the species, improve water quality and boost marine biodiversity.

The nursery is first of its kind to be introduced to a commercial shipping channel in Northern Ireland. It will be home to around 600 native oysters, which prior to installation were cleaned, measured and screened for disease by a group of volunteers.

For over a century, it was thought that native oysters in Northern Ireland were extinct, but a number of restoration initiatives have been successfully run by project partners Ulster Wildlife, with similar nurseries being installed in Bangor and Glenarm Marina.

With the right care and attention, the oysters at Belfast Harbour will release millions of larvae which will form reefs on the seabed, providing habitat for other marine species. This will have a positive impact on marine biodiversity in the area, as well as the revival of the native species, for which Belfast Lough was once renowned.

The oysters will also contribute to improved water quality in the port, due to their unique ability to reduce water pollution and improve water clarity. According to Ulster Wildlife, one native oyster can filter up to 200 litres of water per day - the equivalent of a bathtub.

By removing particles from the water column, oysters can also increase light penetration to the sediment and promote the recovery of seagrass, another threatened and valuable coastal habitat.

Simon Gibson, marine, environment & biodiversity officer at Belfast Harbour, said, “The oyster nursery installation at Belfast Harbour is an exciting expansion of the current drive to restore native oysters within Belfast Lough.

“The project is a exciting step in Belfast Harbour’s journey to achieving our sustainability ambitions around improving water quality and promoting marine biodiversity, and becoming a world-leading Green Port.”

David Smyth, marine conservation manager at Ulster Wildlife, said, “Overfishing, habitat loss, pollution and invasive species have seen the native oyster population become close to extinction in Northern Ireland.

“With support from DAERA [Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs of Northern Ireland] and Belfast Harbour, Ulster Wildlife has been able to deliver projects such as the installation of the oyster nursery at City Quays – an important step in helping to bring back this endangered species. It will also provide a host of wider benefits to the marine environment through the positive effects oysters can have in improving water quality around a busy industrial port.”