Storm shell-ters placed to protect North Sea oysters

SPECIALISED OYSTER REEF CUBES DEPLOYED WITH AIM TO REJUVENATE MARINE LIFE

- By KATHRYN RIDDELL AND REBECCA SPEARE-COLE

CONCRETE-LIKE "cubes" housing 4,000 oysters have been placed in the North Sea to shield the species from storms and tidal surges. Marine conservationists from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and nature charity Groundwork have released 20 specialised oyster reef cubes, constructed from six tonnes of seawater-resistant concrete alternative, Marine Crete, off the coast of Tyne and Wear.

The team are testing their use as ballasts to secure the native European oysters to the seabed - marking the first time that this method has been used on such a scale in the UK. The project's goal is to aid oysters in reviving their reefs in the North Sea, which will in turn enhance coastal water quality and biodiversity in the region.