UK sailing charity, UKSA has officially launched the Isle of Wight’s first oyster regeneration project, placing breeding baskets under its pontoons.

The project is in partnership with Blue Marine Foundation, and supported by Cowes Harbour Commission which is funding the baskets and the initial oyster stock to enable the project to get underway.

“We’re excited to launch the oyster regeneration project today with great thanks to all those who have made it possible,” says Ben Willows, CEO of UKSA. “It is a significant step forward for sustainability on the island and we’re very proud to be housing the project at UKSA. This project is a great start in making a difference in the marine environment UKSA calls home.”

The project is designed to facilitate the release of millions of larvae into the Solent, while also providing refuge for other marine life including endangered European eels, young seahorse and sea bass. Oysters are thought to provide a range of benefits to the environment and people such as improving water quality, with a single oyster able to filter up to 200 litres of water every day.

Eric Harris-Scott, Solent project officer at Blue Marine, comments: “Projects like this are a real team effort and the support of businesses like UKSA to enable our restoration work to grow is vital. We’re grateful for the efforts of all those involved to get this project off the ground and into the water today, and look forward to seeing how the oyster nurseries progress on the Island.”

Despite the last known oyster fishery on the Isle of Wight closing in the 1970s, between 1972 and 2006, the Solent has supported the largest native oyster fishery in Europe, however the oyster population has declined significantly and the fishery collapsed in 2013.

Gary Hall, CEO at Cowes Harbour Commission “We are delighted to be working with UKSA and the Blue Marine Foundation on this very important project for Cowes Harbour because it forms part of our five-year strategic plan and a commitment to deliver the sustainable management and conservation of the harbour, estuary and local environment.”

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