Summer boost to oysters

AN ‘unprecedented’ marine heatwave this summer could deliver the best native oyster breeding season in decades, ahead of Stranraer’s oyster festival next month.

Water temperatures in Loch Ryan reached up 17.8 degrees at the start of July, more than a full degree above normal summer temperatures, creating ideal conditions for native oyster reproduction and baby oysters, known as spats

Tristan Hugh-Jones, director of Loch Ryan Oyster Fishery Company, said: “We’ve been monitoring these temperatures closely and this extra degree of warmth should lead to the most successful breeding season in decades. The conditions are exceptional. We could be looking at a bumper spat fall year which will support the growth of this important oyster bed.”

The marine heatwave has implications far beyond Loch Ryan. Due to the importance and high health status of the Loch Ryan bed, its native oysters are used to seed restoration projects from the Firth of Forth to continental Europe. Loch Ryan oysters are a crucial genetic reservoir for a species that has declined by 95 per cent, making it now one of Europe’s most threatened marine habitats.

[caption id="attachment_62228" align="aligncenter" width="405"]

WIGTOWNSHIRE'S OWN . . . a cluster of Loch Ryan native oysters, comprising oysters aged from 2 to 8 years of age.
Photo credit: Pete Robinso[/caption]

To showcase the bumper oyster season, a new science programme will be part of this year’s Stranraer Oyster Festival. An evening of ‘song and science’ from the Solway Coast Marine Project (SCAMP) on the Friday evening will blend of marine ecology talks and traditional sea songs performed by folk singer Emily Smith, will create a poetic bridge between Scotland’s maritime heritage and its sustainable future.

Meanwhile, “Marine Robot Lab” will see six scientists and researchers from the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) demonstrate their ingenious custom-built monitoring machines, everything from remote-controlled paddle-boards equipped with underwater cameras to sophisticated drones.

Nick Chisholm, from SCAMP, said: “We are thrilled to be taking over the festival’s Speakers’ Corner on Friday evening with our unique blend of marine science and traditional songs. Working with partners like SAMS allows us to showcase both the cutting-edge technology that’s revolutionising marine research and the cultural connections that link communities like Stranraer to the sea. Stranraer Oyster Festival has proven that marine ecology and inspiring food events are a winning combination, and we are looking forward to sharing our enthusiasm for marine science with visitors to Stranraer.”