The environmental consultancy, MacArthur Green, collaborated with the community–led marine restoration team at SeaWilding to carry out surveys in Loch Gair to establish a baseline for native oyster populations to better understand restoration potential.
Scotland’s oysters have declined rapidly in the last 150 years due to a combination of over exploitation, pollution and habitat pressures. There is a growing interest in recovering populations due to their importance as ecosystem engineers – native oysters can provide habitat for other species and improve water quality.
Community engagement and citizen science were central to the work with a successful community day held in collaboration with Heart of Argyll Wildlife including a ‘Sea Safari’. After conducting the surveys, McArthur Green is considering future steps to enhance the population in collaboration with experts.
In 2023 SMEEF was able to provide a grant of £10,311 to support this work using funds from donations to SMEEF made by businesses.