KORI​

Koster Oyster Reef Initiative (KORI): Sweden's First Pilot for Native Oyster Reef Restoration​

Core Focus


KORI establishes Sweden's first scientifically monitored pilot reef for the native European flat oyster, in and around Kosterhavet National Park. Combining seabed mapping, hatchery production, substrate testing, deployment and ecological monitoring, the project will create an operational restoration model and build regional competence. ​

Challenge


Despite remnant flat-oyster populations on the Swedish west coast, there is no operational framework, protocol or pilot for rebuilding oyster reefs in SE or NO. Overfishing, habitat degradation and seabed disturbance have left fragmented populations that cannot form reefs. Knowledge on substrates, deployment, settlement and monitoring is scarce, as is cross-sector collaboration.​

Key Activities

  • ​Map the seabed and identify suitable deployment sites
  • Upgrade hatchery capacity and test settlement substrates.​
  • Develop protocols for substrate testing, settlement, deployment and monitoring.​
  • Deploy reef substrates and introduce hatchery-produced juvenile oysters.​
  • Run biodiversity monitoring, public engagement and educational outreach. 

Communities Engaged

  • Island communities
  • Citizen science & community education
  • Blue tech & digital innovation​
  • Cultural heritage & maritime identity
  • Local finance & impact investors
  • Enterprises for inclusion & skills
  • Local Action Groups (CLLD)​

Project info

  • Funding instrument: Community-Led Actions

  • Lead partner: Koster Framtid AB (Sweden)

  • Consortium members: 
    • Ostrea Production AB (SE)
    • Njord Survey AB (SE)
    • Tjärnö Marine Laboratory (SE) 

  • Project Budget: €787.000,00

  • Country of implementation: Sweden

  • Project duration: Up to 24 months