(Belfast, January 9, 2026) — Thousands of European oysters have been planted in Belfast Lough as part of an effort to restore the species to the waterway.
Ulster Wildlife has placed over 32,000 oysters in Belfast Lough, marking a significant step in the restoration of a once-thriving population.
- Ulster Wildlife deployed 2,000 adult oysters and more than 30,000 juvenile oysters, known as spat, into Belfast Lough.
- European oysters disappeared from Belfast Lough over a century ago due to overfishing, pollution, and habitat loss.
- The project is supported by Ulster Wildlife members, Belfast Harbour, and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.
Nature conservation charity Ulster Wildlife placed 2,000 adult European oysters (Ostrea edulis) and more than 30,000 juvenile oysters, called spat, grown on scallop and mussel shells, in Belfast Lough, the charity announced. The deployment represents the next phase in plans to restore oyster reefs, which are considered vital habitats for the recovery of the threatened species and offer broader benefits to both people and the marine environment.
European oysters haven’t been seen in Belfast Lough for more than a century, having been lost to overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction. However, a small surviving population was discovered by researchers in 2020, inspiring Ulster Wildlife to establish a network of protected nurseries in Bangor, Glenarm, Belfast Harbour, and Carrickfergus to aid in the native species’ recovery.
The pilot project has received support from Ulster Wildlife members, Belfast Harbour, and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, through the Carrier Bag Levy, to expand the restoration of wild populations.
As the oysters mature, they are expected to form a crucial reef habitat that supports the health of the seas, according to Ulster Wildlife. European oysters, along with other shellfish, are known to improve water quality, with each adult oyster capable of filtering up to 200 litres of water daily, removing nutrients and eventually providing coastal defenses and habitat for young fish.
Dr. Nick Baker-Horne, marine conservation manager with Ulster Wildlife, described the deployment as a “huge step forward in helping to restore this small but mighty ocean superhero.”
“Over the past four years, our nurseries have thrived, and we have learned so much about these fantastic ecosystem engineers,” Dr. Baker-Horne said. “Deploying them onto the seabed is the next step to restore our lost oyster reefs and, alongside our nurseries, we hope the population will grow and create thriving habitats for all sorts of marine life. I’m excited to watch the oysters develop and use what we learn to guide even bigger deployment projects in Belfast Lough in the future.”
The oysters, sourced from The Oyster Restoration Company (TORC) in Scotland, were cleaned, screened, and measured before being deployed onto the seabed by a team of staff and volunteers from the nature conservation charity. Regular monitoring will be conducted to assess their survival and growth.
Simon Gibson, Marine, environment & biodiversity officer at Belfast Harbour, stated that the project is a first for Northern Ireland. “The seabed deployment is an exciting expansion of the current drive to restore European oysters within Belfast Lough,” Gibson said. “This project, a first for NI, will support Belfast Harbour’s sustainability ambitions by promoting improved water quality and bolstering marine biodiversity. We are proud to play our part in this pioneering project.”
Each adult European oyster can filter up to 200 litres of water per day, contributing to improved water quality and a healthier marine ecosystem.
The restoration project highlights the importance of shellfish in maintaining healthy coastal ecosystems and underscores the potential for ecological recovery through targeted conservation efforts.
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