Marine Soundscapes And EDNA For Assessing Biodiversity And Functioning Of Re-establishing European Flat Oyster Reefs, Ostrea Edulis

The project will contribute to both the 'Biodiversity' and 'Challenged Ecosystems' themes:

European oyster reefs provide habitat for many ecologically or economically important species, improve water quality and contribute to blue carbon storage. At least a fifth of the coastal population of the UK are thought to have once been employed in the oyster fishing industry, but the vast beds were extirpated throughout Europe by the early 1900's.

The few oyster beds that have survived are now protected and the habitat is classified as threatened and/or declining by OSPAR. Across Europe, researchers are now collaborating with governments, NGOs and industry restore these once abundant habitats and optimize method1. The studentship will generate the first soundscape recordings of European native flat oyster reef habitats and compare the ecoacoustic reef expression with environmental DNA (eDNA) expression in terms of the reef associated faunal biodiversity.

The results will be used for the development of a tool for rapid assessment of the state and success of oyster restoration projects, with a scope for future deployment in reef enhancement projects. The student will also be given the opportunity to assess the potential of ecoecoustics to enhance larval settlement, with a scope to support future reef restoration/enhancement projects.