A pilot project aimed at restoring flat oyster beds in the Belgian part of the North Sea will soon be launched, as announced by the Marine Environment department of the SPF Public Health on Tuesday. This project is intended to contribute to the restoration of marine biodiversity.
« The European oyster has always been a flagship species in our North Sea, but it has nearly disappeared, » said Senne Aertbeliën from the Marine Environment department, as quoted in a statement. « However, oyster beds fulfill crucial functions for our marine ecosystem. They create biodiversity hotspots by providing food and shelter to other species. They also play a role in the carbon and nitrogen cycles and filter seawater. Therefore, actively restoring these populations is a priority for us. »
Most of Europe’s oyster beds disappeared by the late 19th century, primarily due to overfishing and human activities disturbing the seabed. Additionally, the species was affected by the oyster parasite Bonamia ostreae, imported from California to Europe around 1979. Since then, European flat oysters have almost completely disappeared in Belgium, the Netherlands, and France.
The pilot project plans to carry out this oyster restoration offshore, where historically the oyster beds were located. The oyster reef will be intensively monitored for several years until it becomes self-sustaining, prosperous, and able to support marine ecosystems. The consortium BELREEFS, leading the project, consists of the maritime construction group Jan De Nul, the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, and the aquaculture expertise firms Shells & Valves and sustainability consulting firm Mantis Consulting.
Source: RTBF Actus
