DEEP Oyster Stringing Workshop

Successful restoration is determined by the health and condition of restored oysters. This requires ongoing monitoring to find out how oysters grow and survive in the restoration site. Understanding an oyster’s response to different environments can inform future restoration activities and is a key part of the restoration process. To monitor the oysters, we attach them to strings using marine epoxy putty and then tether the strings to the seabed at our deployment sites. We are then able to revisit these oysters regularly to collect information about them giving us an indication of the overall health of the oyster population. This is a crucial part of the ongoing site optimisation work the project is undertaking and will deepen the global understanding we have of this rare species.

We are delighted to invite you to help us in this process of oyster stringing and contribute to the global deeper understanding of this species!

PLEASE NOTE: this event is suitable for over 18’s only and not recommended for anyone with a shellfish allergy or repetitive strain injury - please see the important information at the end and get in touch if you have any questions.

Where

• Please meet us at Heriot Watt University Edinburgh campus - Students Union at 10am (what3words: tame.lower.combining). A member of staff will be there to meet you and walk you to the John Muir Yard, where the session will be taking place.
• Free parking is available in Car Park A (what3words: orders.solve.branch).
• There are regular buses from the city of Edinburgh to campus.

About this event

Meet for 10 am at the Heriot-Watt Students Union (what3words: tame,lower,combining). We will start the event with a tour of our oyster facilities and will provide you with the relevant PPE and equipment. We will then show you how to attach the oysters to the strings using the marine epoxy putty.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This is an outdoor activity, so please wear clothes which you are comfortable and warm in and with the possibility of rain, please also bring waterproofs. At this time of year, the weather can also be warm so please ensure you also have a lightweight clothing option and adequate hydration to prevent dehydration. While this work will be conducted under cover of gazebo, please bring adequate sun protection i.e. sun hats and SPF/sun cream.

Personal protective equipment will be provided such as aprons and work gloves, but please wear warm comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting a bit mucky and waterproof footwear.

This event will require long periods of standing at tables while we string the oysters. Please let us know about any accessibility needs, such as requiring a seat, when completing the event booking confirmation form.

As the event will be physical, we will be sending out paperwork before hand to capture any medical details we need to know about you. We would not advise taking part in this activity if you have a shellfish allergy or a severe repetitive strain injury.

Due to the nature of the project and the complexities of boats and tides involved in transporting oysters, it is possible that this event may need to be postponed at short notice. Please keep an eye on your emails in the lead up to the event for any updates from us. If we have to postpone this will be done at least two days before the event.

If you have any questions about this or want to discuss accessibility arrangements, please don’t hesitate to contact us at the email address below:

[email protected]

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Host or Publisher Marine Conservation Society