SEEDS INTERNSHIP: Assessing the Kent seabed for potential native oyster restoration

Native oyster habitats are among the most important yet critically endangered marine ecosystems in UK waters. Historically abundant, native oysters (Ostrea edulis) once formed extensive biogenic reefs that supported rich biodiversity and improved coastal water quality. However, native oyster populations have declined by around 95% across Europe since the 1800s, leading to the loss of the ecosystem services they once provided. This dramatic decline—mirroring a global loss of 85% of oyster reefs—has left UK seas without key ecological functions formerly delivered by thriving oyster beds.   Oysters are widely recognised as ecosystem engineers. A single oyster can filter up to 200 litres of water per day, removing pollutants, particulates, and excess nutrients, thereby significantly improving water clarity and quality. Their shells provide hard substrate that allows larvae to settle, forming complex three dimensional reefs that function as nurseries and refuges for fish, crustaceans, and other marine species. Over time, these reefs can increase biodiversity, strengthen ecological resilience and support commercial fish and shellfish species that rely on structured habitat during key life stages.  Beyond biodiversity benefits, oyster habitats also contribute to nutrient cycling and carbon storage. Recent research on UK oyster farms found that oyster-dominated environments can enhance nitrogen cycling, with microbial communities on oyster shells actively breaking down nitrogen compounds and reducing nutrient pollution in estuaries. These ecological services translate to tangible socio economic value. Cleaner waters benefit coastal communities, tourism, aquaculture, and recreational industries.  Oysters also have cultural and historical importance in the UK, having once supported vast fisheries and provided affordable seafood to large urban populations.  Given these losses and the substantial benefits of restoration, efforts to rebuild UK oyster habitats have intensified. Restoration projects in Scotland, Wales, and England are supported by careful habitat assessments, biophysical modelling, and community engagement, all aimed at re establishing self sustaining oyster populations and restoring reef structure at ecologically meaningful scales.  The Transforming the Thames project is a large‑scale, multi‑partner initiative aiming to restore, reconnect, and revitalise the Greater Thames Estuary—one of Europe’s most important coastal wetlands. Led by the Zoological Society of London alongside conservation groups, government bodies, local nature partnerships, and landowners, the project seeks to repair centuries of habitat loss and fragmentation through coordinated restoration of saltmarsh, seagrass, native oyster reefs, saline lagoons, and other key ecosystems.  The project aims to conduct oyster restoration in Kent, where a once widespread oyster habitat supported a thriving fishery. In June 2026 we will be conducting surveys of potential sites for oyster restoration including seabed video surveys and physical sampling of oysters to take measurements. This internship will involve examining the seabed videos, counting large organisms such as oysters, seastars and crabs and identifying the seabed substrate (sand, pebbles shells etc)