A programme to educate schoolchildren about the importance of the native oyster population in the UK has been launched, reports Paul Scott.
The Wild Oysters Project education packs, created by the Zoological Society of London and Blue Marine Foundation, aim to encourage children to care for the marine environment and highlight the importance of rebuilding the native oyster population in the UK.
Wild Oysters project manager Celine Gamble said: “Across the UK native oyster populations have declined by over 95%. Despite their small size, oysters are capable of filtering 200 litres of water a day, helping to clean our seas. Healthy oyster reefs are hugely productive and support an array of marine biodiversity.”
The packs will enable school pupils to study the reasons why oysters declined, and the important role they play in a healthy marine environment.
“As part of this ambitious project we have already restored 4,000 native oysters, suspending them under marina pontoons in oyster nurseries, a micro habitat acting as a maternity ward to the next generation of oysters, to support our oceans,” said Celine Gamble.
“We hope the lesson plans and field visits will inspire the next generation to care for our oceans and understand how a healthy ocean can support our ecosystem.”
More information can be found here.
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