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Project title

Reef Revival: Harnessing biogenic reefs as nature-based solutions for global change mitigation

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Irish Research Council (TCD)

Lead Applicant

Grace Aspell

Project Abstract

Biogenic reefs are reefs formed by living organisms, including oysters and mussels, that contribute to ecosystem services, such as shoreline protection, habitat formation, and water filtration. Unfortunately, most native oyster reefs in Europe have been decimated and attempts to restore them lag far behind efforts to restore biogenic reefs in other parts of the world. While nature-based solutions (NbS)[14-17] are increasingly used to mitigate the effects of climate change and enhance restoration, it has yet to be integrated with biogenic reef restoration. To restore reefs and their associated ecosystem services, we must first identify how current stressors affect their survival and functioning. It is, therefore, necessary to disentangle the effects of multiple stressors[11,13], such as nutrient enrichment[10], ocean acidification and warming[12,13] on native oysters to develop efficient restoration methods. Recent studies show how ecological soundscapes[15] can provide important navigational cues for invertebrates, thus, the use of artificial soundscapes[45-47] may contribute to oyster survival. Early exposure of juvenile oysters to predator cues[16,48] may also increase oyster survival but these novel methods have yet to be tested under multiple stressor scenarios. This project will identify and characterise effects of multiple stressors on oysters to develop new restoration techniques. The approach includes lab-based and field-based experiments to test for effects of multiple stressors on: (1) the functioning of European flat oysters (Ostrea edulis); and (2) its predator-prey interactions. This project will use innovative sound technology[15] and predator cues[16] to enhance the restoration of oyster reefs. I will also identify potential suitable habitats for biogenic reef restoration[53,54] in Ireland, and quantify the value of ecosystem services of biogenic reefs using System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA). With an increased frequency of marine heat waves occurring off the Irish coast[1], this timely research will inform future management practices for oyster reef restoration and bivalve aquaculture.

Grant Approved

€124,000.00

Research Hub

Protecting and Restoring Our Natural Environment

Research Theme

n/a

Start Date

01/09/2024

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/08/2028