Nature conservation charity Ulster Wildlife placed 2,000 adult European oysters (Ostrea edulis) and more than 30,000 juvenile oysters, called spat, grown on scallop and mussel shells. European oysters disappeared from Belfast Lough more than a century ago, due to overfishing, pollution and habitat loss. Dr Nick Baker-Horne, marine conservation manager with Ulster Wildlife, described a “huge step forward in helping to restore this small but mighty ocean superhero”. “The seabed deployment is an exciting expansion of the current drive to restore European oysters within Belfast Lough,” he said. “This project, a first for NI, will support Belfast Harbour’s sustainability ambitions by promoting improved water quality and bolstering marine biodiversity.

Source: The Herald January 09, 2026 12:07 UTC