MARINE INSTITUTE APPROVES €1.5M AWARD FOR NATURE RESTORATION PROJECT

Marine Institute approves €1.5m award for nature restoration project. University College Dublin (UCD), in partnership with Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Queen’s University Belfast (QUB), and Trinity College Dublin (TCD), has commenced a new €1.5 million research project to restore native flat oyster reefs and enhance coastal resilience. The project, ‘BRICONS’ (Building Resilient Irish Coasts through Oyster Restoration: A Nature-Based Solution for Enhancing Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystems), is funded by the Marine Institute under its Marine Research Programme.

The five-year project, which began on 1 June 2025, is investigating the potential for restoration of native flat oyster reefs at selected sites along the coastlines of Ireland and Northern Ireland. BRICONS was one of the successful awards under the 2024 call “The Changing Use of Ireland’s Ocean: Measuring and Monitoring the Impacts on Our Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystems.”

Led by Dr Paul Brooks, School of Biology and Environmental Science, UCD, the BRICONS project brings together a strong all-island team of experienced scientists including Principal Investigators, Dr Md Salauddin (UCD School of Civil Engineering), Dr José M. Fariñas-Franco (ATU), Dr Annika Clements (QUB), and Dr Nessa O’Connor (TCD). The project funding will support five research positions across these institutions to build capacity in this important area of research.

Speaking about the project, Dr Paul Brooks, Project Coordinator, said:

“This project aims to evaluate how nature-based solutions (NbS) such as oyster reef restoration can enhance the resilience of our coasts and marine ecosystems. We will assess how these reefs can stabilise sediments, improve biodiversity, enhance water quality, and provide a natural buffer to the impacts of climate change all while supporting the sustainable use of our harbours and ports.”

The BRICONS project will utilise novel and innovative approaches to advance native oyster reef restoration in Ireland and Northern Ireland, contributing to the protection and recovery of marine habitats and supporting Ireland’s commitments under the EU Nature Restoration Law, which requires Member States to submit National Restoration Plans for native flat oyster reefs.

Working closely with Irish ports, harbour authorities, and coastal community groups, the project will establish pilot restoration sites to demonstrate how oyster reefs can serve as viable Nature-Based Solutions for managing coastal change and sustaining marine biodiversity.

Dr Niall McDonough, Director of Policy, Innovation and Research Services at the Marine Institute, said:

“The Marine Institute is delighted to support the BRICONS project, which exemplifies the strength of North–South collaboration and the value of science in shaping sustainable coastal management. Restoring native oyster reefs offers an exciting opportunity to enhance biodiversity, improve ecosystem resilience, and deliver real climate action through nature-based solutions.”

The BRICONS Project is carried out with the support of the Marine Institute under the Marine Research Programme, funded by the Government of Ireland.

For more information, visit the project website: www.briconsproject.com