New breeding technique aims to bring back oysters

A new and exciting project is underway to bring back oysters to the East Yorkshire coast. This initiative, known as Wilder Humber, aims to reintroduce 500,000 native European flat oysters into the Humber estuary over the next five years. The team behind this project is testing a new method where they place oyster larvae into tanks filled with scallop shells. The larvae attach themselves to these shells, which are then moved to an oyster nursery located at Spurn Point. Here, the oysters will grow until they are ready to be released back into the Humber. The Humber estuary was once home to a large and thriving oyster reef, so big that it was considered a hazard for ships. Unfortunately, due to overfishing, diseases, and a decline in water quality, the oyster population has significantly decreased. The introduction of these oysters is not just about bringing them back; it is also a way to help clean up the water. An adult oyster can filter and clean an impressive 44 gallons of water each day. This is crucial because cleaner water supports a healthier marine environment. Additionally, once the oyster beds are established, they will provide a habitat for various marine wildlife, creating a thriving ecosystem. Dr. Nik Sachlikidis, the CEO of The Oyster Restoration Company, which is supplying the larvae, described this project as groundbreaking and the first of its kind in the UK. He stated, 'We are taking a major step towards scalable onshore and offshore deployment that will significantly enhance biodiversity. ' The positive effects of native oysters on marine ecology are profound, and this project is paving the way for more native oyster restoration efforts in the future. Wilder Humber is a collaboration between the Yorkshire and Lincolnshire wildlife trusts and the offshore wind company Ørsted, working together to ensure a healthier and more resilient environment for the future.