UCD leads new €1.5m project to restore native oyster reefs to strengthen coastal resilience

A new €1.5m biodiversity programme will see native oyster reefs restored along the Irish coast to explore their potential to protect and sustain marine biodiversity.

University College Dublin is leading an all-island partnership of universities as part of project(opens in a new window)BRICONS,which will establish pilot restoration across Ireland and Northern Ireland to demonstrate how Nature-Based Solutions (NbS), such as oyster reefs, can enhance the resilience of coastal ecosystems.

“We will assess how these reefs can stabilise sediments, improve biodiversity, enhance water quality, and provide a natural buffer to the impacts of climate change, all while supporting the sustainable use of our harbours and ports,” said Project Coordinator(opens in a new window)Dr Paul Brooks,UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science.

Working closely with Irish ports, harbour authorities, and coastal community groups, (opens in a new window)BRICONS (Building Resilient Irish Coasts through Oyster Restoration: A Nature-Based Solution for Enhancing Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystems) will utilise novel and Innovative approaches to advance native oyster reef restoration.

The five-year project, funded by the(opens in a new window)Marine Institute – Ireland’s scientific agency responsible for supporting the sustainable development of the State’s maritime area and resources, will both contribute to the protection and recovery of marine habitats in Ireland and Northern Ireland while also supporting commitments under the EU Nature Restoration Law, which requires Member States to submit National Restoration Plans for native flat oyster reefs.

Led by Dr Brooks, BRICONS brings together a team of experienced scientists from Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Queen’s University Belfast (QUB), and Trinity College Dublin (TCD), including Principal Investigators, (opens in a new window)Dr Md Salauddin, UCD School of Civil Engineering, Dr José M. Fariñas-Franco (ATU), Dr Annika Clements (QUB), and Dr Nessa O’Connor (TCD).

The project funding will support five research positions across these institutions to build capacity in this important area of research.

“The Marine Institute is delighted to support the BRICONS project, which exemplifies the strength of North–South collaboration and the value of science in shaping sustainable coastal management, said Dr Niall McDonough, Director of Policy, Innovation and Research Services at the Marine Institute.

“Restoring native oyster reefs offers an exciting opportunity to enhance biodiversity, improve ecosystem resilience, and deliver real climate action through nature-based solutions.”

The BRICONS Project is being carried out with the support of the Marine Institute under its Marine Research Programme, funded by the Government of Ireland.

By: David Kearns, Digital Journalist / Media Officer, UCD University Relations