News & Events 2022

Oyster reefs and nature-based solutions to coastal damage

An article based on research by Prof. Stephen Hynes has been recently published by Afloat. The article highlights the findings of a study on the costs and benefits of natural-based solutions versus grey infrastructures to protect coastal amenities from climate change-related events. The study was based on the Rinville coastal trail (Co. Galway) that is subject to coastal flooding. By analysing the recreational value of the coastal trail and the costs of green and grey infrastructures, the research found that oyster reefs, as a nature-based solution,  are cost-effective and provide additional benefits in terms of biodiversity and marine habitat restoration. The Afloat article can be seen here and the journal paper that the article is passed on can be downloaded here.