Volunteers have scrubbed 10,000 native European flat oysters as part of the Final Straw Foundation’s oyster restoration project. The oysters, sourced from Pembrokeshire, Wales, are being prepared for installation at sites across Portsmouth, Hayling Island, and Gosport, Hampshire, where they will help restore local marine ecosystems.
The 24th, 25th and 26th November 2025, saw more than 150 volunteers dedicate a combined effort of over 700 hours working at the University of Portsmouth’s marine labs, which generously provided the facilities for the event. The project has been guided by the Blue Marine Foundation, ensuring that best practice conservation methods are followed at every stage.
European flat oysters have declined by 95% since the 1800s due to disease, overexploitation, habitat loss, and pollution. As ‘ecosystem engineers,’ these oysters are vital for improving water quality, stabilizing sediment, creating habitats for other species, and supporting overall biodiversity. Once installed, they will act as broodstock, releasing offspring to help repopulate the Solent.
Before they can be installed, oysters must be carefully cleaned to ensure they are biosecure and free from any contaminants that could harm delicate marine ecosystems. Volunteers scrub the oysters to remove worm casts, algae, and other debris, making sure the oysters are healthy and ready for their new home. Over the course of the project, a total of 10,000 oysters will be prepared and deployed.
Campaigns Officer for the Final Straw Foundation, Hannah Cooper, said:
“We are absolutely thrilled with the dedication and hard work of our volunteers over the past three days. Scrubbing 10,000 oysters is an incredible achievement and brings us one step closer to restoring these remarkable creatures to the Solent. Cleaning the oysters carefully is crucial to ensure we protect our local waters, and it’s inspiring to see so many people come together to make a real difference for our marine ecosystems. We can’t wait to see these oysters thriving in their new homes across Portsmouth, Hayling Island, and Gosport.”
The Final Straw Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to all volunteers, the University of Portsmouth, and the Blue Marine Foundation for their support in making this project a success and contributing to the long-term restoration of the Solent’s marine environment.
To find out more about the Oyster restoration programme, visit our information page here: https://finalstrawfoundation.project1031.com/biodiversity-programmes/
