The 'superhero' oyster species helping to clean water
Summary
Thousands of European oysters have been placed on the Belfast Lough seabed in Northern Ireland to help restore native oyster reefs. These oysters, not meant for eating, aim to improve water quality and provide habitats for marine life.Key Facts
- 2,000 adult oysters and 30,000 juvenile oysters were added to the seabed in Belfast Lough.
- The project is managed by Ulster Wildlife and focuses on restoring native oyster reefs.
- The oysters are placed in biodegradable bags made from potato starch.
- These oysters help clean the water by removing excess nutrients.
- Oysters form reefs that serve as habitats for fish and crabs.
- The native oyster population in Belfast Lough declined in the early 20th Century due to pollution and overfishing.
- Recreational shellfish fishing in Belfast Lough is still banned to this day.
- Water quality in Belfast Lough has been worsening due to pollution and sewage issues.
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