Breathe for our seas: The European Auster celebrates comeback!

Breathe for our seas: The European Auster celebrates comeback!

Borkum Riffgrund, Deutschland - The European Auster returns to Germany after it was largely extinct over a century ago. This return takes place as part of nature and marine protection projects, not for consumption. Oysters play an important role in the ecosystem by creating structures under water that serve other marine dwellers as a habitat. Until the end of the 18th century, they were widespread in the Priels between the East Frisian Islands and the mainland before they died out in the southern North Sea in the 20th century. The main causes for their disappearance were high fishing numbers and the use of soil drag nets that smooth the sea floor and destroyed the habitats of the oysters, such as FAZ reported.

To change this situation, the Federal Office for Nature Conservation (BFN) has initiated a comprehensive return project in cooperation with the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI). In the Helgoland Oyster Hatchery, oysters are bred to restore the reefs of the North Sea. These projects aim to stabilize the oyster populations and revitalize the ecosystems. The breeding program focuses on the breeding inner oysters that grow in special metal frames in the sea.

The first pilot reef in the Borkum Riffgrund

In July 2020, the first pilot's reverus with European oysters in the Borkum Riffgrund nature reserve was created. Several hundred thousand seeds were applied in a marked area, which already form the first mini outer banks. These new habitats also offer other types such as pocket crabs and lobsters, food and protection. Special attention is paid to the reproduction, since the larvae of the oysters have been demonstrated, which indicates a successful settlement. Federal Office for Nature Conservation Federal Environment Ministry is financed.

biogenic oyster riffs are not only vital habitats, they also contribute to improving water quality through filtration and consolidated sediments. According to awi are the projects for the resettlement of the European oyster part of a larger strategy, the biodiversity to increase the North Sea and to improve the living conditions for different fish species.

outlook on future developments

The return of the European Auster is not only an important step for nature and marine protection, but also for scientific research. The project enables researchers to examine the state of health of the oysters and the ecological function of the oyster banks. Future steps to expand the oyster habitat are already planned, also in other areas such as the Sylt outer reef. The Pacific oyster should not compete with the European oyster, since both types prefer different habitats.

The measures for resettlement are part of a comprehensive commitment of the BFN and the AWI, which is flanked by European projects to restore oysters. The initiatives aim to establish self -resistant stocks of the endangered European oysters and thus make an important contribution to the protection of marine biodiversity.