Funded by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, this project will create the first aquaculture site in the Humber Estuary. Aquaculture is also known as aquafarming, and can be contrasted with commercial fishing which is the harvesting of wild fish.

Designed for training and demonstration, this project will reintroduce a native oyster population to the Humber Estuary for the first time since the 1950’s, alongside trialling bouchot mussels and tubed razor clams. The site is based at Spurn Point in a sheltered area near the former bathing beach and carpark, where students will be able to monitor growth, water quality, and the marine wildlife. 

Dr Magnus Johnson of the Biology and Marine Sciences department at Hull University said, “This is a very exciting partnership venture to bring back an iconic native species to the Humber – hopefully a start at rewilding what has historically been a heavily industrialised estuary.”

Dr James Wood, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Fisheries and Research Manager, explains; “This partnership provides the opportunity to reintroduce a vulnerable keystone species back into the estuary and create a unique training platform for the region. We hope this site will not only support students training and development, but enhance biodiversity and bring wider benefits to the estuary and its protected features as well.”