GIVE ME
A NEW WORLD
UNDERWATER
LUKE HELMER’S PHD RESEARCH IS AT THE
HEART OF A MAJOR RESTORATION ECOLOGY
PROJECT TO BRING NATIVE OYSTERS
BACK TO THE SOLENT.
Luke says, ‘In the 1970s, millions of oysters were fished
from the Solent. But our first 300 samples of water
contained only three oysters.’ to the office, then out on the boat or in the lab. I also do
lots of outreach, with presentations to school groups, as
well as demonstrating in lab classes and Open Days.’
Fishing pressure, disease, pollution, poor water quality
and dredging have taken a toll on Ostrea edulis across
Europe, and now it is endangered or extinct in many
areas. The project has been a great success. Luke says, ‘We’ve
found 95 species in our cages, which shows how oysters
can benefit biodiversity. Individual oysters filter up to
200 litres of water a day, so water quality will improve
significantly. It should prove possible to reintroduce
fishing for better quality oysters, while developing more
attractive habitats for “charismatic” sea creatures like
seahorses – which will lead to more tourism.’
This is a problem because oysters do us a great service
by filtering impurities from seawater, consuming algae
and other organic matter, and improving coastal water
quality. They also create a unique seabed habitat –
oyster reefs support marine life and act as fish nursery
grounds.
Dr Joanne Preston is Luke’s PhD supervisor. They’re both
part of a team that introduced a system of underwater
cages where oysters can thrive, safe from predators.
Joanne explains, ‘We’ve produced the system in
partnership with Ineos, Blue Marine Foundation and
MDL Marinas. The system acts like a suspended vertical
oyster reef. Cages are designed to be reproductive
hotspots.’
Luke’s PhD examines the effectiveness of this approach.
He says, ‘My research uses cages containing adult
oysters, suspended from pontoons. They release larvae,
which seed suitable areas for repopulation. I explore
the design of cage structures and survey harbours to
identify the right sites.’
For Luke, there is no such thing as a normal day: ‘The
work I do is very varied, from being on a pontoon, back
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His first paper, co-written with Joanne, makes the case
for active management of Ostrea edulis stocks. It was
downloaded 100 times within three days of publication.
Joanne relishes her role as a PhD supervisor: ‘The
relational side of it is brilliant and I really enjoy it. Luke’s
a fantastic student. I love seeing people’s development
and progression.’
Luke says, ‘Joanne has given fantastic support. I’ve
become highly organised as a scientist and project
manager, and outreach work has really developed
my confidence.’
Luke has visited projects in Germany, the USA and
Australia, where he spoke at a conference to an
audience full of world experts. The implications of
his research go far beyond the Solent: ‘The marine
environment impacts every living organism on the
planet. Our climate, food supplies and survival are
all reliant and interconnected to the oceans.’
+44(0)23 9284 4444 | myport@port.ac.uk | port.ac.uk
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