Dr. David Smyth
Science Officer, Bangor University Wales, United Kingdom
Expertise
Ostrea edulis, Crassostrea gigas, Other Bivalve Species
Aquaculture, Biosecurity, Disease, Ecosystem Service Quantification, Historical Ecology, Invasive Species, Monitoring, Oyster Habitat Restoration, Public Outreach, Seed Production, Site Selection
Project affiliation
NONI Native Oysters Northern Ireland, Ulster Wildlife Trust Blue Carbon Habitats Shellfish Beds
I'am currently employed as a Science Officer with the Shellfish Centre Wales based at Bangor University. I have worked with native oyster population dynamics for more than 20 years. My particular expertise is the passive / benign approach to bivalve restoration. I have extensive experience in establishing, monitoring and augmenting both subtidal and intertidal native oyster, pearl oyster and horse mussel populations. I' am a predictive population modeler of invasive bivalve species, with Magallana gigas and Pinctada radiata species of interest. I'am currently working on the DAERA funded; Native Oysters Northern Ireland project (NONI) and the Ulster Wildlife Trust Blue Carbon Habitats project. I, am also connected with the Zoological Society of London "Wild Oysters" restoration hub at the Conwy Estuary Wales.
E-Mail: d.smyth@bangor.ac.uk
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Dr. John Prescott
CEO, Fish Disease Dolau Ltd, United Kingdom
Expertise
Ostrea edulis, Crassostrea gigas
Aquaculture, Disease, Genetics
Founded 1st Shellfish Hatchery in Europe, i.e Scottish Sea Farms Ltd, now a salmon only producer. We produced edulis and gigas also for a while merceneria.
E-Mail: johnrayprescott@gmail.com
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Dr. Loren Coen
Research Prof., Dept. of Biological Sciences, HBOI, Florida Atlantic University, US
Expertise
Other Bivalve Species
Disease, Ecosystem Service Quantification, Historical Ecology, Monitoring, Oyster Habitat Restoration, Public Outreach, Site Selection
Project affiliation
OIMMP Mapping intertidal oysters, GEMS, Brevard Lagoon Restoration
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Mr Hein Sas
Owner, Sas Consultancy, Nederland
Expertise
Ostrea edulis
Biosecurity, Disease, Historical Ecology, Invasive Species, Monitoring, Oyster Habitat Restoration, Public Outreach, Seed Production, Site Selection
Project affiliation
All Dutch native oyster retoration projects, in one way or the other
As one of the initiators of native oyster restoration in Dutch waters, I am currently functioning as an informal network coordinator, operating between the various restoration projects and related organisations. With the purpose of stimulating cooperation and exchange of information, in order to speed up the learning curve we have to go through. As member of the NORA Advisory Board I also attempt to stimulate cross-border cooperation and information exchange at a European level.
E-Mail: hsas@xs4all.nl
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Prof. Ioannis Giantsis
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Western Macedonia, Greece, Greece
Expertise
Ostrea edulis, Other Bivalve Species
Aquaculture, Disease, Genetics, Invasive Species
I am an Assistant Professor of Animal Genetics in the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Western Macedonia, Greece. My research interest and expertise includes, inter alia, molecular genetics and genomics of bivalve species, with a particular focus on population biology, detection of bivalve pathogens and new invasive parasites, bivalve physiology, and development and / or application of molecular markers for the discrimination of closely related species in the context of traceability issues. Effects of climate change on the general ecology of bivalves fall under my research interests as well. Finally, all aspects of aquaculture are also among my research interests.
E-Mail: igiants@agro.auth.gr
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Dr. Stein Mortensen
Senior scientist, Institute of Marine Research, Norway
Expertise
Ostrea edulis, Crassostrea gigas, Other Bivalve Species
Aquaculture, Disease, Historical Ecology, Invasive Species, Monitoring, Public Outreach
Microbiologist, spesialization in bivalve health and disease transmission. Experience from projects on oyster, mussel and scallop aquaculture. Leading a National Reference Laboratory function on diagnostics of bivalve diseases in Norway and a healtth monitoring programme, including wild and farmed populations of flat oysters and mussels. Leading a Nordic collaborative network on Pacific oysters in Scandinavia, studying the spreading dynamics, mitigation as well as a potential exploration of Pacific oysters as a new resource. Also involved in public outreach through communication with stakeholders, including managers.
E-Mail: stein.mortensen@hi.no
Web: https://www.hi.no/hi
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Mr Tristan Hugh-Jones
Atlantic Shellfish Ltd. / Loch Ryan Oyster Fishery, Ireland / Scotland
Expertise
Ostrea edulis, Crassostrea gigas
Aquaculture, Disease, Genetics, Seed Production, Oyster Supplier (Grow-out, Hatchery, Spatting Pond, Wild Fishery)
Project affiliation
Loch Ryan, SW Scotland.
Atlantic Shellfish Ltd. has been breeding O. edulis since 1969, by using 22 breeding ponds in Cork Harbour, capable of producing 100 tonnes / year of marketable oysters. The ponds are used to produce spat, which are then grown and fattened in the North Channel of the harbour. The company mainly supplies the restaurant market, with fully grown, well graded oysters, packed to the customers need. Atlantic Shellfish also is running the Loch Ryan wild native oyster fishery in South West Scotland, which has a sustainable, natural production of O. edulis which is free from Bonamia. These are mostly harvested for the restaurant market also. The company has depuration tanks in London, and is able to supply the UK market overnight with O. edulis and C. gigas, along with exports from Heathrow.
E-Mail: tristan@oysters.co.uk
Web: www.rossmoreoysters.com
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Mr Stuart Hancock
Research and Development, Fabrication and management, STARTUP TEAM - East Coast and Thames Estuary Lobster Hatchery, Oyster Fishery and Processing, UK
Expertise
Ostrea edulis, Crassostrea gigas, Crassostrea angulata, Other Bivalve Species
Aquaculture, Disease, Invasive Species, Monitoring, Oyster Habitat Restoration, Seed Production, Oyster Supplier (Grow-out, Hatchery, Spatting Pond, Wild Fishery)
Project affiliation
Just Joined Native Oyster Network also have Support From Essex Univeristy and support from Padstow Hatchery
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Dr. Eve Galimany
Postdoctoral Researcher, Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC), Spain
Expertise
Ostrea edulis, Other Bivalve Species
Aquaculture, Disease, Ecosystem Service Quantification
Project affiliation
The Mar Menor oyster project (OstraMM)
I have a PhD from the University of Barcelona obtained in 2010. My research background is in the ecology, biology, and pathology of benthic invertebrates, with a particular focus on the ecological role that filter-feeders, such as bivalves, play in the ecosystem. I have studied the role of bivalves in shaping coastal environments, e.g. mitigating the symptoms of eutrophication, reducing the occurrence of harmful and nuisance algal blooms, and restoring ecosystem functions. Also, I have investigated how the environment can affect the health and physiology of the invertebrates themselves including both immune and pathological studies. My research has provided valuable information for the management of aquaculture species, fisheries and natural resources, as well as for conservation and restoration purposes.
E-Mail: galimany@icm.csic.es
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Ms Monica Fabra
PhD researcher, University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom
Expertise
Ostrea edulis, Other Bivalve Species
Aquaculture, Biosecurity, Disease, Genetics, Invasive Species, Oyster Habitat Restoration, Seed Production, Oyster Supplier (Hatchery)
Project affiliation
Solent Oyster Restoration Project
I am a marine biologist, specialised in Marine Ecology, currently PhD student at the Institute of Marine Sciences of Portsmouth (University of Portsmouth, UK). My research involves the hatchery production of the native oyster O.edulis as spat-on-shell for restoration in the Solent. I am investigating the genetic implications surrounding the employment of locally adapted broodstock from disease-affected areas, for the hatchery production of native oyster seed for restoration purposes, monitoring the genetic diversity and potential disease-resistance during the whole production process. I am also investigating the mechanisms of competitive exclusion of C. fornicata, assessing the factors responsible for the inhibition of O. edulis natural recruitment in the Solent. During my most recent work experience, I've been running an aquarium based experiment to investigate the role of microplastics as pathogen vectors. All my previous experiences include projects related to the biodiversity and conservation fields of study.
E-Mail: monica.fabra@port.ac.uk
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Dr. William Sanderson
MASTS Reader / Associate Professor, Hariot-Watt University, UK
Expertise
Ostrea edulis, Other Bivalve Species
Biosecurity, Disease, Ecosystem Service Quantification, Invasive Species, Monitoring, Oyster Habitat Restoration, Public Outreach, Seed Production, Site Selection
Project affiliation
Dornoch Environmental Enhancement Project
Societal benefits, restoration, ecology, biodiversity & monitoring of: 1. Shellfish reefs, 2. Marine Protected Areas 3. Priority habitats of nature conservation importance, The win-win between biodiversity conservation, ecosystem function and marine development Biodiversity mapping and management in Marine Spatial Planning Sustainable development and habitat use by species of high biodiversity conservation importance
E-Mail: w.g.sanderson@hw.ac.uk
Web: https://researchportal.hw.ac.uk/en/persons/william-sanderson
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Dr. Luke Helmer
Scientific Officer, Blue Marine Foundation / University of Portsmouth / University of Southampton, United Kingdom
Expertise
Ostrea edulis, Crassostrea gigas
Aquaculture, Biosecurity, Disease, Invasive Species, Monitoring, Oyster Habitat Restoration, Public Outreach, Seed Production, Site Selection
Project affiliation
Solent Oyster Restoration Project / The Wild Oysters Project
Primarily focused on providing a strong scientific foundation for the Solent Oyster Restoration Project, my intrests are broad as there are many issues to consider within our system. My previous research has involved invasive species, restoration aquaculture systems, disease and associated biodiversity. More recently we have been working on scaling up reef restoration and I have been encouraging the movement towards integrated ecosystem restoration (Oysters, Saltmarsh, Seagrass and Kelp). Outreach, communication and engement with a range of audiences is also something that I keen to develop across Europe following our successful activities in the UK.
E-Mail: luke@bluemarinefoundation.com
Web: https://www.bluemarinefoundation.com/projects/solent/
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Dr. Antonio Villalba
Senior Researcher, Centro de Investigacións Mariñas, Consellería do mar da Xunta de Galicia, Spain
Expertise
Ostrea edulis, Crassostrea gigas, Crassostrea angulata, Other Bivalve Species
Aquaculture, Disease
I am working on mollusc diseases since 1986, mostly focused on solving problems of the shellfish industry caused by diseases. In the last 10 years, this research has been mostly devoted to perkinsosis of clams, bonamiosis of flat oysters, marteiliosis of cockles, summer mortality of Pacific oysters, mollusc cancer, mass mortality of Pinna nobilis and cultured mussel mortality.
E-Mail: antonio.villalba.garcia@xunta.gal
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Dr. Joanne Preston
Reader in Marine Ecology & Evolution, University of Porstmouth, United Kingdom
Expertise
Ostrea edulis
Biosecurity, Disease, Ecosystem Service Quantification, Invasive Species, Monitoring, Seed Production, Site Selection
Project affiliation
Solent Oyster Restoration Project, Native Oyster Network
My conversation priority is the interconnected restoration of coastal habitats, particularly oyster reefs, seagrass and saltmarsh. My research is focused on the ecology of these species and habitats, and thier interactions with environmental pressures such as climate change, microplastics, disease, invasive species and excessive nutrients (eutrophication). I am also intersted in host-pathogen interactions in filter-feeders, and genetic adaptations and diversity of the native oyster. In 2017 I founded the UK and Ireland Native Oyster Restoration Network in collaboration with the Zoological Society of London, which aims to catalyse a national approach to oyster habitat restoration via action, communication and providing evidence for policy change. I'm an advisory board member for the European Native Oyster Restoration Alliance and a founding member of the Solent Oyster Restoration Project team, led by Blue Marine Foundation, for which I act as an technical and scientific advisor alongside active restoration practice.
E-Mail: joanne.preston@port.ac.uk
Web: https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/joanne-preston
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Dr. Boze Hancock
Senior Marine Habitat Restoration Scientist, The Nature Conservancy, United States
Expertise
Ostrea edulis
Aquaculture, Biosecurity, Disease, Ecosystem Service Quantification, Genetics, Historical Ecology, Monitoring, Site Selection
Developing the science, networks and communication to allow the scale-up of shellfish reef restoration to address habitat destruction on an ecologically meaningful scale. This includes developing the primary science to support restoration and quantifying the ecosystem services provided by the restored habitat, translating that science into formats accessible to a variety of practitioners and facilitating knowledge exchange across a range of projects, geographies and taxa.
E-Mail: BHANCOCK@TNC.ORG
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