STN Helps Reintroduce 18,000 Native Irish Oysters Into Dublin Bay

The Sustainable Tourism Network and the Sustainable Business Network volunteered recently with the Green Ocean Foundation to reintroduce more than 18,000 native Irish oysters  into Dun Laoghaire Harbour and Greystones Harbour as part of a major environmental restoration project. This marks the latest phase of an effort to bring oysters back to Dublin Bay, where they disappeared more than 200 years ago.

Purpose Of The Project
The oysters are not for commercial use. Instead, they aim to improve water quality and restore marine biodiversity. Each oyster can filter 190–200 litres of seawater daily, removing pollutants and allowing sunlight to reach the seabed, which supports seagrass and seaweed growth.

How It Was Done
The oysters, sourced from Co Kerry, were placed in special floating flip baskets by 20 volunteers. The initiative is led by the Green Ocean Foundation, with scientific oversight from the DCU Water Institute. Previous trials in Howth, Malahide, and Poolbeg have shown strong survival and reproduction rates.

Environmental Benefits
Oyster reefs help stabilise the seafloor, reduce turbidity, and protect coastlines from storm surges, making them a keystone species for marine ecosystem resilience.

Future plans
If successful, the project will expand to other areas. The Green Ocean Foundation hopes to inspire community-driven climate action.

For more information, visit Green Ocean Foundation.