Ulster Wildlife's work to restore the endangered European native oyster (Ostrea edulis) to Northern Ireland's coastal waters has won Biodiversity Initiative of the Year at the 2026 All-Ireland Sustainability Awards. The award recognises a restoration programme that has established four native oyster nurseries, supports more than 3,000 adult oysters, and produces millions of larvae annually.
The award was presented in Belfast earlier this month to Dr Mathieu Lundy, Ulster Wildlife's Head of Marine Recovery, and Dr Bob Brown OBE, a member of the conservation charity's board.
The project was selected from a record field of entries, with more than 90 submissions shortlisted across the awards. Judges highlighted its scientific approach, community participation and potential to deliver long-term environmental improvements.
Four Oyster Nurseries Established
Ulster Wildlife established Northern Ireland's first native oyster nursery at Bangor Marina in 2022, subsequently expanding the network to Belfast Harbour, Carrickfergus and Glenarm Marina. The nurseries are designed to support the recovery of a species once abundant in local waters but now severely depleted.
As they feed, native oysters filter water and provide habitat for other marine organisms, making their restoration important for wider marine biodiversity.
More than 180 associated marine species have been recorded at the nursery sites, including European eels, nudibranchs (sea slugs), crabs and wrasse.
Restoring the Reef – Native oysters housed in protective nursery cages form part of Ulster Wildlife's award-winning restoration programme, which supports more than 3,000 adult oysters across four sites in Northern Ireland. Photo: Ulster Wildlife
Volunteers Support Marine Recovery
Community participation has been central to the programme, with more than 80 volunteers trained as citizen scientists. They monitor oyster survival and growth and record other marine species associated with the nurseries.
The restoration programme is now moving beyond the nursery network, deploying thousands of additional oysters into the sea to help rebuild native populations.
Recognition for Conservation Partnership
Nick Baker Horne, Marine Conservation Manager at Ulster Wildlife, welcomed the award.
"We are honoured to be recognised among so many inspiring organisations across the island of Ireland for our work to restore the European oyster," he said. "These remarkable shellfish are vital to healthy marine ecosystems, and restoring them not only helps boost biodiversity but enhances water quality and climate resilience, while empowering local communities."
He said the award reflected four years of work by Ulster Wildlife staff, volunteers and project partners.
"This award is a testament to our colleagues, past and present, whose expertise and passion helped to drive innovation and partnerships, and build the project over the last four years, alongside the incredible volunteers who have given their time, skills, and enthusiasm."
The project has received funding from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and Wilson Resources, with support from Belfast Harbour, Bangor Marina and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.
All-Ireland Sustainability Recognition
The 2026 All-Ireland Sustainability Awards drew more than 300 attendees to Belfast for the inaugural All-Ireland Festival of Sustainable Impact, held in partnership with Cushon.
The awards recognise environmental and sustainability initiatives across Ireland.
