The Oyster Restoration Company and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust are thrilled to announce a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at restoring native oyster (Ostrea Edulis) populations in the Humber estuary, UK. This partnership marks a significant step forward in the ambitious 'Wilder Humber' project, which seeks to revive the region's biodiversity and safeguard its delicate ecosystems.
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is a leading conservation charity dedicated to protecting and restoring wildlife in Yorkshire's wild places. Spearheading the Wilder Humber seascape project, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is partnering with The Oyster Restoration Company, a pioneer in oyster restoration efforts, to fulfil the shared goal of replenishing native oyster populations.
Dr. Nik Sachlikidis, CEO of The Oyster Restoration Company, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "We’re really excited to get started on this project with our friends at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. This collaboration represents our joint mission to bring oysters back into UK waters, and we fully support the work they do."
The partnership aims to restore over half a million native oysters to the Humber estuary, leveraging The Oyster Restoration Company's premier oyster hatchery and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust's commitment to wildlife conservation. By working together, both organisations are aligning their efforts to protect coastlines, waterways, and marine life while reintroducing a vital species to its native habitat.
Laura Welton, Native Oyster Restoration Officer at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, said “We are thrilled to partner with The Oyster Restoration Company in our aim to reintroduce native oysters to the Humber estuary as part of the Wilder Humber programme.
“Oyster reefs provide crucial habitat for wildlife, offering structure for other animals to hide or find food. Additionally, oysters are vital filter feeders; a single adult oyster can clean about a bathtub of water a day, removing excess nutrients and improving water clarity.
“We hope that the oysters we release will grow, thrive, and start to rebuild marine communities as busy ecosystem engineers, fostering a healthier and wilder environment for the Humber's wildlife.”
Delivered alongside Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust with support from green energy leader Orsted, the Wilder Humber project seeks to restore dunes, salt marshes, seagrass, and native oysters over five years. This partnership between Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and The Oyster Restoration Company marks the first trial of deploying native oysters in a remote setting at such scale, paving the way for innovative conservation practices.
The collaboration underscores the commitment of both organizations to environmental stewardship and underscores the importance of collective action in safeguarding our planet's biodiversity.
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