Conservationists build new oyster reef in Belfast

Conservationists have placed thousands of oysters on the seabed of Belfast Lough, in the latest stage of a plan to return the species to the area.

It's hoped that it will help restore the native oyster reefs which disappeared more than 100 years ago.

The new natural reefs will help protect the shoreline and provide healthy habitats for local fish.

Oysters, and other shellfish, have been found to help improve water quality - as each adult oyster can filter up to 200 litres of water a day.

Several oyster nurseries are located around the Belfast coast, but this is the first time that native oysters have been placed on the seabed in Northern Ireland - and on a much larger scale too.

The 2,000 adult oysters and 30,000 baby oysters - also called spats - were brought to Belfast from Scotland to support the return of the species.

The project is part of efforts by conservation charity Ulster Wildlife help provide clean water and healthy fisheries.

They oysters are first put in biodegradable potato starch bags, ready for laying on the seabed.

They are then placed on the seabed to form a natural reef over time and potentially provide habitat for spat from the nurseries to settle on.

The charity hopes that the project will help restore the once thriving native oyster beds that help provide clean water and healthy fisheries.

Dr Nick Baker-Horne from Ulster Wildlife said it marked "a significant step forward in helping to restore this small but mighty ocean superhero".

The oysters will not be farmed to be eaten - instead experts say the reef should create a new marine ecosystem.

The molluscs help to create healthy coastal environments because each oyster is capable of filtering an incredible 200 litres of water a day, which improves water quality.

The native oyster all but disappeared from Belfast Lough in the early 20th century, due to over-fishing, pollution and habitat loss.