Gold medallist sailor champions oyster restoration

Dylan Fletcher, an Olympic gold medalist sailor, is actively participating in efforts to restore oyster populations in the Solent, a significant body of water located between the Isle of Wight and Hampshire. As his team prepares for the upcoming SailGP season, which will take place in these very waters, Fletcher emphasizes the importance of protecting the marine environment that is home to countless species. The SailGP competition is returning to England in July after a three-year hiatus, and Great Britain is currently in second place, just one point behind Australia. 'We all need to do our little bit to make the world a better place,' Fletcher stated. He, along with his teammates, conservationists, and students from Emsworth Primary School, is learning about the Solent Oyster Restoration Project. 'It's incredible projects like this that are now rejuvenating the oceans and are bringing the native oysters back here into Emsworth,' he remarked. Fletcher aims to demonstrate the possibilities of environmental restoration and the collective responsibility we share in making a positive impact. The SailGP event in Portsmouth is expected to be a grand occasion, with a grandstand capable of accommodating 20,000 spectators. Fletcher expressed his hopes for favorable weather conditions to showcase the excitement of sailing and attract a large audience. 'We're really happy with where we are at the moment. It's ultimately a long season, but we'd love to take the win in Portsmouth,' he added. While the anticipation for the high-speed races builds, it is essential to remember that the Solent was once known for its thriving oyster fishery. Fletcher's teammates, conservationists, and local schoolchildren joined him to learn about the restoration project. Kai Hockley, one of Fletcher's teammates, shared his insights, stating, 'I've learnt so much about how oysters help the Solent. With all the biodiversity it has, we need to make sure to protect it, to keep our Solent as good as it is. ' The Blue Marine Foundation, which oversees the restoration project, reported that oyster populations in the Solent have drastically declined due to pollution, disease, and overfishing. The project's goal is to enhance biodiversity and improve water quality, while also reviving the Solent's historical ecological and economic significance. Dr. Luke Helmer, a representative from the project, explained, 'We used to have Europe's largest fishery back in the 70s and 80s, with around 15 million oysters being taken, which is unfortunately now closed. That was about 840 tonnes a year. It was a huge industry that supported about 700 workers. ' The current efforts aim to restore the oyster population not only for economic reasons but also for the environmental benefits, as an adult oyster can filter between 100 to 150 litres of water daily. The project team is currently exploring a new four-hectare seabed reef in Chichester, which has the potential to support hundreds of thousands of oysters. Dr. Helmer emphasized the importance of involving all marine users in this initiative, stating, 'Nobody wants to be playing or swimming in muddy waters, and oysters have an important role to play in that.