University College Dublin, in partnership with Atlantic Technological University, Queen’s University Belfast and Trinity College Dublin, has launched a €1.5 million research project to restore native flat oyster reefs and strengthen coastal resilience.

The project, called BRICONS, is funded by the Marine Institute under its Marine Research Programme.

The five-year project will investigate the restoration of native oyster reefs at selected sites along the coastlines of Ireland and Northern Ireland. It will evaluate how oyster reef restoration can stabilise sediments, improve biodiversity, enhance water quality and provide a natural buffer against climate change while supporting sustainable use of harbours and ports.

BRICONS will use innovative approaches to advance oyster reef restoration and contribute to Ireland’s obligations under the EU Nature Restoration Law.

Pilot restoration sites will be established in collaboration with ports, harbour authorities and coastal community groups to demonstrate how oyster reefs can serve as nature-based solutions for managing coastal change and sustaining marine biodiversity.

Dr Niall McDonough, Director of Policy, Innovation and Research Services at the Marine Institute, said: “Restoring native oyster reefs offers an opportunity to enhance biodiversity, improve ecosystem resilience and deliver climate action through nature-based solutions.”

BRICONS is led by Dr Paul Brooks from UCD and involves a team of scientists including Dr Md Salauddin from UCD, Dr José M. Fariñas-Franco from ATU, Dr Annika Clements from QUB and Dr Nessa O’Connor from TCD. Funding will support five research positions across the partner institutions. The project is funded by the Government of Ireland through the Marine Institute’s Marine Research Programme.

For more information visit www.briconsproject.com.