The Green Ocean oyster reintroduction project has expanded to Greystones Harbour Marina in Co Wicklow, over two years after it was initiated in Dublin Bay.
The marine restoration project is focused on restoring native oyster habitats to Dublin Bay and the Wicklow coast.
Native oysters are natural “climate champions”, playing a vital role in improving water quality, enhancing marine biodiversity and supporting healthier coastal ecosystems.
Using innovative “oyster gardening” techniques, oysters are suspended in baskets from marina walkways at multiple locations around Dublin Bay.
Each oyster can filter up to 190 litres of water per day, helping to reduce excess nutrients and pollutants. As oyster populations establish, they also support wider biodiversity by encouraging the growth of seagrass and seaweed.
Greystones residents Ann Boyle, Megan O'Brien, Niamh O'Mahony, Tom O'Mahony and their dog welcome the arrival of native oysters at the harbour marina. Photo: Michael Kelly
As Green Ocean explains,these habitats provide important spawning and nursery grounds for fish and marine species, while also acting as valuable carbon sinks by capturing and storing carbon.
Following the successful completion of earlier phases around Dublin Bay — which recorded strong oyster survival, growth and reproduction — the project has now expanded to Greystones.
This pilot phase aims to assess whether native oysters can survive, grow and reproduce in the waters of Co Wicklow, an area that was historically a rich breeding ground for native oysters.
With oyster gardens already established in Dún Laoghaire, Malahide and Poolbeg marinas, as well as Howth Yacht Club in Dublin, the project also supports applied research by the DCU Water Unit under the direction of Prof Fiona Regan.
Shell School — David Lawlor of Green Ocean Foundation explains oyster ecology to first-year students from Templecarrig Secondary School at Greystones harbour marina.
This research involves monitoring oyster health, water quality and biodiversity changes across the restoration sites, contributing valuable data to Ireland’s growing marine restoration knowledge base.
Aoibheann Boyle, who leads the Green Ocean project in Greystones, described the expansion as “an exciting step in restoring a habitat that once thrived along the Wicklow coast”.
“Building on the success of our work in Dublin Bay, this next phase brings together local partners, volunteers and researchers to learn, adapt and build the foundations for self-sustaining oyster populations that can improve water quality, support marine biodiversity and help deliver healthier seas for generations to come,” she said.
Science In Action — The DCU Water Institute team, led by Professor Fiona Regan, conducts baseline water testing at Greystones harbour marina as part of the oyster restoration pilot. Photo: Michael Kelly
Green Ocean says it places strong emphasis on community engagement, involving volunteers in hands-on restoration activities such as maintaining oyster baskets and monitoring oyster health.
“These opportunities provide practical education and raise awareness about marine conservation, while allowing people to actively contribute to positive environmental change in their local area,”it says.
The project has acknowledged the support of Greystones Harbour Marina, Wicklow County Council, and the financial support provided by Codling Wind Park, which “helped make this expansion possible”, it says.
