Opportunities for recovery of flat oysters in the Wadden Sea

The flat oyster is an iconic reef builder with great value for the development of underwater ecosystems. The oyster reefs function as a nursery, refuge and food source for fish. Oysters also filter the water and are therefore important for maintaining water quality.

The flat oyster has been present in the Wadden Sea since Roman times, but has been virtually extinct since the 1950s. The cause is a combination of overfishing, diseases and severe winters. A few years ago, flat oysters were finally found again near Texel and Vlieland. It concerns a small population in low densities, not yet sufficient to form an actual oyster reef; but they are slowly expanding.

For this study, we addressed the specific living conditions that are important for the natural settlement of flat oysters. In our report, we also mention opportunities for the flat oyster in the Wadden Sea, with recommendations for locations and measures for passive and active recovery in the Wadden Sea as well as important gaps in the knowledge.