Belfast's titanic harbour welcomes back Molluscs in marine restoration project

In a bid to revive Belfast’s marine heritage, Ulster Wildlife launches an innovative oyster nursery project, aiming to restore the once-thriving oyster population in Belfast Lough.

The initiative seeks to combat the decline caused by overfishing, disease, and pollution, with a vision of creating a local “equivalent of a coral reef.”

Ulster Wildlife’s marine conservation manager, David Smyth, expressed excitement about resurrecting a lost habitat.

Native oyster reefs, once abundant in European seas, have faced a staggering 95 percent decline since the 19th century, making them one of Europe’s most endangered habitats.

Last month, a nursery consisting of 700 carefully screened oysters from Scotland was submerged in Belfast Lough.

These molluscs, measured and disease-screened, are housed in cages designed to facilitate the formation of oyster reefs. Smyth envisions the development of a thriving ecosystem, comparing it to a coral reef, with the potential to host various marine life forms.

During a recent health check on the oysters, Smyth highlighted the ecological benefits of a restored habitat, emphasizing increased marine biodiversity and improved water quality. Oysters, recognized as “supreme water filters,” can filter over 200 liters of seawater per day.

Despite the challenges posed by pollutants from nearby shipping activities, the resilient nursery animals have shown promising signs of survival.

Out of the 700 oysters installed, only two have perished, encouraging the team to plan for additional installations in the coming years.

Drawing inspiration from a successful oyster restoration project in New York, initiated a decade ago, Smyth envisions a future where Belfast’s industrial landscape mirrors the environmental success of its American counterpart.

He even humorously contemplates the possibility of dolphins gracing Belfast’s waters, echoing recent sightings around the Statue of Liberty.

As Belfast strives to reclaim its maritime legacy, the oyster renaissance promises not only the revival of a once-decimated population but also the establishment of a thriving marine ecosystem in the heart of the city.