Wanna Join Greystones’ Green Oyster Cult…?

Back from the deep…

ress release from the Green Ocean Foundation, issued on Friday, January 23rd 2026…

Ringleaders David Lawlor & Aoibheann Boyle. Pic: Matthew McConnell

The Green Ocean Oyster Re-introduction Project, launched in November 2023, is a marine restoration initiative focused on restoring native oyster habitats to Dublin Bay and the Wicklow coast.

Native oysters are natural ‘climate champions’, playing a vital role in improving water quality, enhancing marine biodiversity and supporting healthier coastal ecosystems.

Using innovative oyster gardening techniques, oysters are suspended in baskets from marina walkways at multiple locations around Dublin Bay. Each oyster can filter up to 190 litres of water per day, helping to reduce excess nutrients and pollutants. As oyster populations establish, they also support wider biodiversity by encouraging the growth of seagrass and seaweed. These habitats provide important spawning and nursery grounds for fish and marine species, while also acting as valuable carbon sinks by capturing and storing carbon.

Following the successful completion of earlier phases around Dublin Bay — which recorded strong oyster survival, growth and reproduction — the project has now expanded to Greystones Harbour Marina. This pilot phase aims to assess whether native oysters can survive, grow and reproduce in the waters of County Wicklow, an area that was historically a rich breeding ground for native oysters.

With Oyster Gardens already established in Dún Laoghaire, Malahide and Poolbeg Marinas, as well as Howth Yacht Club, the project also supports applied research by the DCU Water Unit under the direction of Prof. Fiona Regan. This research involves monitoring oyster health, water quality and biodiversity changes across the restoration sites, contributing valuable data to Ireland’s growing marine restoration knowledge base.

Aoibheann Boyle, who leads the Green Ocean project in Greystones, said: “Expanding the Green Ocean Oyster Re-introduction Project to Greystones is an exciting step in restoring a habitat that once thrived along the Wicklow coast. Building on the success of our work in Dublin Bay, this next phase brings together local partners, volunteers and researchers to learn, adapt and build the foundations for self-sustaining oyster populations that can improve water quality, support marine biodiversity and help deliver healthier seas for generations to come.”

Green Ocean places strong emphasis on community engagement, involving volunteers in hands-on restoration activities such as maintaining oyster baskets and monitoring oyster health. These opportunities provide practical education and raise awareness about marine conservation, while allowing people to actively contribute to positive environmental change in their local area.

Green Ocean would like to acknowledge the support of Greystones Harbour Marina, Wicklow County Council, and the financial support provided by Codling Wind Park, whose contribution has helped make this expansion possible.

An official launch event of the Greystones Project will take place on Friday, February 13th at Greystones Harbour Marina from 12.30pm to 2pm. This will be an opportunity for the community to learn more about the work these oysters will be doing on their doorstep.

You can find out more about the Green Ocean Foundation here, follow on Instagram here, and get in touch with Aoibheann Boyle on [email protected].