Native oysters were once found in abundance in Belfast Lough. However, due to overfishing, pollution, and disease the Irish fisheries commissioner deemed all native oyster fisheries in Ireland collapsed by 1903. Remnant native oyster shells can still be seen along the coastline today. We are deploying a native oyster nursery in Belfast Marina to support the natural recovery of this priority species back to historical abundance in our local waters. Bringing back the native oyster will help improve water clarity, increase water quality, enhance biodiversity and lock away carbon in their shell.

We are currently seeking a group of volunteers to support the work of the project from June and throughout the duration of the project to monitor the oyster nurseries and record their development.

The role of the volunteer will involve -

• Attending Belfast Marina at least once a month to carry out health checks on the oyster nurseries
• Record oyster development and any losses
• Remove any empty oyster shells
• Help keep the nursery cages in good order.

Skills required-

• Physically fit to bend, check and clean the cages.
• Own transportation desirable

Training days

We have set up some training days that can be attended by those interested in volunteering.  Our Marine Conservation Officers will introduce the project and talk through the role of the volunteer, as well as show how to safely survey the nurseries and record the results.  Booking is essential so we can furnish everyone with the appropriate health and safety gear. 

The training dates are:

Wednesday 5^th June @ 10am – 12.00pm OR Wednesday 19th June @ 10am – 12.00pm