Image: The Oyster Restoration Company
The Oyster Restoration Company has announced the launch of "Rapid Reef", a new product which aims to simplify oyster reef restoration projects, and thus accelerate the process of establishing new oyster colonies and support recovery of marine habitats.
Rapid Reef is packaged in bags of recycled oyster shells populated with around 15,000 native oyster spat, with each unit capable of covering at least five square metres of seabed.
The oyster spat is provided from a biosecure, disease-free hatchery, and the product is packaged to ensure high survival rates as well as easy handling, the company said, with the possibility of deploying the bags manually or using vessels, in a variety of marine environments.
“Rapid Reef represents a step forward in restoring marine biodiversity. By embedding native oyster spat onto a sustainable substrate, we’ve created a tool that empowers communities and professionals alike to revive oyster reefs and transform ecosystems," said Dr. Nik Sachlikidis, CEO of The Oyster Restoration Company, in a press announcement.
The system’s flexible design allows organisations and communities to adapt Rapid Reef for various substrates and environments, offering a precise and highly scalable solution, according to the company.
“We understand the urgency of restoring marine habitats, and Rapid Reef is our response to that need. By using recycled shells, we’re not only accelerating restoration but also embracing the principles of the circular economy - giving discarded materials destined for landfill a vital role in regenerating marine ecosystems. With Rapid Reef, teams can focus on making a difference in the water, while we handle the complexities of preparation," said Owain Wynn-Jones, Chief Commercial Officer.
"Our mission is to enable the rapid recovery of marine habitats, building biodiversity and resilience in the face of environmental challenges," Sachlikidis added.
