🌊🦪 Biodiversity project could restore native oyster reefs to Dublin Bay
UCD is partnering with Codling Wind Park, Ireland’s largest planned offshore wind project, to explore the potential of using nature-based solutions (NbS) to protect and enhance biodiversity at selected sites in the area and along the Irish coast.
The project, which will be funded by Codling Wind Park, will also investigate how more inclusive engineering designs can enhance habitats for native species.
“NbS utilise the inherent power of nature to provide sustainable and multifaceted solutions to complex problems,” said Assistant Professor Paul R. Brooks, Ph.D., UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science.
“In partnership with Codling Wind Park, [we] aim to investigate and assess the value of NbS, with a particular focus on eco-engineering approaches and the restoration of oyster reefs and seagrass beds along the Irish coast.”
Dr Brooks said that faced with growing environmental challenges, researchers were increasingly focusing on the concept of using NsBs to address various societal and ecological issues.
“In addition, we aim to emphasise the ability of NbS to promote biodiversity, mitigate climate change, enhance ecosystem services, and foster resilience in the face of environmental change. Gathering this data will help broaden our understanding of NbS and will help underpin the direction of future research in an Irish context,” he continued.
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