In a bid to restore Britain\u2019s native oyster population, conservationists from the Wild Oysters Project have created a new underwater reef \u2018the size of a football pitch’ off the coast of Sunderland <\/p>
European native oysters<\/a>\u00a0(Ostrea edulis<\/em>)\u00a0were once a mainstay of Britain\u2019s coastline, providing essential habitat for other marine species. However, since the 1800s,\u202fhabitat loss, over-harvesting, pollution and disease\u00a0have led to a 95% decline in the population.<\/p> In an attempt to restore the population and support Britain\u2019s marine life<\/a>, conservationists from the\u00a0Wild Oysters Project<\/a>\u00a0have introduced 10,000 oysters to a newly\u00a0built 7,500sqm living reef off the coast of\u00a0North East England.<\/p> “Despite their small size, we recognise oysters as ocean superheroes for making such a big impact within the marine coastal environment,\u201d said\u00a0Celine Gamble, Wild Oysters Project Manager.<\/p> \u201cThey\u2018re capable of filtering approximately 200 litres of water a day \u2013 around a bathtub\u2019s worth \u2013 which in turn contributes towards improving our coastal water quality.<\/p> Oysters are “capable of filtering approximately 200 litres of water a day \u2013 around a bathtub\u2019s worth \u2013 which in turn contributes towards improving our coastal water quality.”<\/p><\/blockquote> \u201cNative oyster reefs have disappeared from our British coastline, and with this we have also lost the benefits that they bring, such as providing essential habitat for other marine species.\u202f<\/p> \u201cWe\u2019re determined to bring the species back from the brink of extinction,\u202fwhich will in turn help contribute towards healthier and more resilient\u202fcoastal waters across the UK.\u201d<\/p>Why do oysters matter?<\/h2>