Using particle dispersal models to assist in the conservation and recovery of the overexploited native oyster (Ostrea edulis) in an enclosed sea lough

Flat oysters on offshore wind farms : opportunities for the development of flat oyster populations on existing and planned wind farms in the Dutch section of the North Sea

“…Following fertilisation, the larvae initially remain in the mantle cavity of the female oyster. After that, they swim in the water for about 7 to 14 days before settling on the seabed (Smyth et al, 2016).…”

“…This is linked to the openness of these systems and the origin of the larvae, which, according to these authors, originate principally from the English Channel. However, Smyth et al (2016) have demonstrated that following a period of over-exploitation, a flat oyster population in Strangford Lough could be restored on the basis of a limited critical mass of flat oysters. Model calculations of the dispersal of oyster larvae generated by wind farms in the North Sea have yielded estimates of the size of parent populations required to maintain sufficient numbers of larvae for new recruitment.…”

“…Recruitment depends on water temperature, the quantity of larvae in a specific area and the presence of suitable substrate for settlement. Recruitment is determined by the size of the parent population that produces the larvae and serves as substrate, and by the water motion that determines larval retention in a specific area (see also Vera et al, 2016;Smyth et al, 2016).…”

Platte oesters in offshorewindparken (POP)

“…Na de bevruchting blijven de larven eerst in de mantel van de moederoester. Vervolgens zweven ze ongeveer 7 -14 dagen in het water voordat ze zich op de bodem vestigen (Smyth et al, 2016 (Cronin et al, 2013). Op een aantal punten zijn er voor onderhavige studie aanpassingen doorgevoerd:…”

Modelling potential production and environmental effects of macroalgae farms in UK and Dutch coastal waters

“…The Lough covers an area of approximately 134 km 2 , with water depths from 0-70 m, is 8 km long and the Narrows (0.5 km wide at narrowest) connect the Irish Sea to the main inlet of the lough (Smyth et al 2016;Kregting and Elsäßer, 2014). The lough is fully saline ranging from 32 to 34 with negligible freshwater input from three small point 30 sources (Boyd, 1973;Smith, 2010) and is predominantly well mixed (Taylor and Service,1997).…”