Restoration of the flat oyster
in the Laguna di Nora
Laguna di Nora is collaborating with the IMC Foundation on a significant ecological restoration project within the lagoon.
The role of oystersIl ruolo delle ostriche
The goal is to support the recovery of the European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) population. This initiative is part of the activities of the National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), a consortium funded by the PNRR dedicated to the conservation and sustainable management of biodiversity in Italy.
The flat oyster has historically been present in the Mediterranean Sea and along European coastlines. However, in recent decades, its natural populations have drastically declined due to overexploitation, pollution, and disease. Its disappearance is not only an economic loss for the aquaculture sector but also a significant blow to the marine ecosystem. Oysters play a crucial role in water filtration, sediment stabilization, and the creation of habitats for other marine species, contributing to increased biodiversity.
Juvenile specimens
The project includes several key phases to ensure the success of the repopulation effort.
Production of Juvenile Oysters:
At the IMC laboratories, young specimens of the European flat oyster are produced from adult individuals collected in Sardinia. This approach is essential to preserve local genetic diversity and prevent contamination from non-native populations. The adult oysters are transferred to specialized facilities, where they are stimulated to reproduce under controlled conditions. The resulting larvae are then nurtured in the laboratory until they reach a suitable size for release into the wild.
Release in the lagoon
The Nora Lagoon has been identified as an ideal site for repopulation due to its favorable environmental conditions and the presence—albeit limited—of wild flat oysters. Previous experimental projects have also demonstrated that the lagoon provides a suitable habitat for the species’ growth.
Before releasing the oysters, environmental parameters of the lagoon were measured to determine the best areas for their settlement. Special attention was given to potential predators, such as the invasive blue crab (Callinectes sapidus), which could impact the success of the repopulation effort. To mitigate this risk, the release period was strategically chosen to avoid the summer months when blue crab activity is at its peak.
Monitoring and impact assessment
From the moment of their release, the oysters are monitored to evaluate their survival, growth, and reproductive capacity. The goal is not only to restore the natural population but also to enhance the ecological benefits that repopulating this species can provide.
The project in the Nora Lagoon represents a significant step forward in the conservation of marine biodiversity in Sardinia and could serve as a replicable model for other areas of the Mediterranean. Through a scientific and sustainable approach, the initiative aims not only to restore a valuable species but also to raise community awareness about the importance of protecting marine ecosystems.
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