Irish manufacturer Inland and Coastal Marina Systems has delivered a pontoon project at Glenarm Marina, County Antrim to support native oyster restoration. Developed in collaboration with nature conservation organisation Ulster Wildlife, the project involved installing a 6m x 3m pontoon that provides a continuous surface for native oysters to settle and eventually grow into a reef. The customised design differs from traditional oyster basket systems and has the potential to reduce marina fouling and maintenance requirements. Following installation, Ulster Wildlife seeded the structure with 5,000 juvenile native oysters. It now supports around 10,000 juvenile oysters, alongside up to 200 adult oysters in biodegradable bags. Ulster Wildlife reports survival rates of more than 80%. An AI-powered camera is also monitoring how marine life interacts with the structure, helping Ulster Wildlife to assess the biodiversity supported by the reef and inform future restoration projects.
