STATUS: ONGOING
Project Aim: Species restoration
The Solent Oyster Restoration Project, led by Blue Marine Foundation (Blue Marine), was established in 2014 and aims to re-establish a healthy, self-sustaining population of native European flat oysters (Ostrea edulis) in the Solent. Once home to Europe’s largest oyster fishery, the Solent suffered a dramatic decline of 95% in native oyster populations due to overfishing, habitat loss, pollution and disease. Oyster restoration is now internationally prioritised, with oyster beds classified as one of the world’s most imperilled marine habitats.
This collaborative project between scientists, fishermen, conservationists and local industry focuses on restoring oyster reefs and their ecosystem functions, enhancing the biodiversity and improving the water quality of the Solent.
Project Impact to Date (Feb 2026)
- Two large-scale seabed reef sites created in Langstone Harbour and the River Hamble in areas closed to bottom-towed fishing gear where they can flourish and develop.
- 81,000 oysters deployed onto over 6000m2 of natural reef material (cultch) deposited at seabed reef sites.
- Over 154,000 oysters restored across the project lifetime into nurseries & onto reefs.
- Over one billion larvae released into the Solent in a single year (calculated for 2017).
- 130+ marine species observed in nurseries, including European bass, critically endangered eels and seahorses.
- Third reef site planned for 2026 in Chichester Harbour, over six times larger than reefs already created at 3.5 hectares, to be deposited over three phases.
- Hundreds of volunteers engaged in oyster biosecurity events and educational materials have been developed to engage the community with the importance of oyster restoration.
- Transition to Seascape Scale Restoration: The Solent Oyster Restoration Project is part of the Solent Seascape Project, working with partners to restore and reconnect key local habitats which deliver critical climate resilience, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity benefits; native oysters, seagrass meadows, saltmarsh and seabird nesting habitats.
- Facilitated the establishment of two community-led projects installing oyster nurseries around the Solent with Harbour Oysters and Final Straw Foundation.
- Solent Seascape Artist Residency – an album of eight songs written, composed and performed by Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter, Richard Walters, inspired by the habitats and people of the Solent, featuring the voice of Islander and Oscar-winning actor Jeremy Irons.
- Join us at one of our Oyster Scrubbing Biosecurity events or other volunteering opportunities at Blue Marine Get Involved § Volunteer or Opportunities | Solent Seascape Project.
Media
- How to build an oyster reef – Short film on oyster restoration in the Solent.
- River Hamble footage shows oyster reef ‘filled with life’ – BBC News.
- Songs from the Solent – the inspiration behind the music – Solent Seascape
WHO IS INVOLVED?
partners
