Oyster Reefs
Native oyster beds create biogenic reefs as new native oysters start settling and growing on dead oyster shells.
These reefs offer habitat for a variety of other species, providing a net gain for biodiversity. In many ways a healthy oyster reef is the cooler water equivalent of the tropical coarla reefs.
Native oyster beds have declined by 95% in the UK since the 19th century. A recent PhD study at the University of Portsmouth claims that across Europe 85% of native oyster beds have been lost. This decline makes oyster reefs one of the most threatened marine habitats in Europe.
On a more positive note, Loch Ryan has the last wild oyster fishery in Scotland, and due to careful management during the first and second world war, still has a relatively healthy oyster population which are carefully and sustainably fished.