Oysters hoped to improve water quality, boost marine life in Belfast

An oyster nursery has been installed in Belfast Harbour in a bid to improve water quality and boost marine life.

The nursery at City Quays is thought to be the first of its kind to be introduced to a commercial shipping channel in Northern Ireland.

It would be home to around 600 native oysters, which prior to installation were cleaned, measured and screened for disease by a group of volunteers.

It included Ulster Wildlife representatives and employees of Belfast Harbour.

For over a century, it was thought that native oysters in Northern Ireland were extinct, but a number of oyster restoration initiatives have been launched by Ulster Wildlife in recent years.

This has similar nurseries being installed in Bangor and Glenarm Marina with great success.

With appropriate maintenance and care, the oysters introduced to the waters at Belfast Harbour will release millions of larvae which will form reefs on the seabed, providing habitat for a variety of other marine species.

“This will, it is believed, 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 would also contribute to improved water quality in the port, due to their unique ability to reduce water pollution and improve water clarity.

Simon Gibson, marine, environment and biodiversity officer at Belfast Harbour, said the move was also part of a current drive to restore native oysters within Belfast Lough.

“The project is an 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,’’ he said.

Dr David Smyth, marine conservation manager at Ulster Wildlife, added.

“Overfishing, habitat loss, pollution, and invasive species have seen the native oyster population become close to extinction in Northern Ireland.

“With support from DAERA and Belfast Harbour, Ulster Wildlife has been able to deliver projects such as the installation of the oyster nursery at City Quays.

“It is 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.’’