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Sunderland Marina Oyster Monitoring signup sheet

Hi all,

Thank you for your interest in getting involved with The Wild Oysters Project!

Native oyster populations in UK seas have declined by 95% since the 1800s. These incredible creatures once formed vast reefs that filtered our waters and supported rich biodiversity. By restoring oyster habitats, the Wild Oysters Project is working to bring life back to our seas and improve coastal resilience.

We care for over 800 oysters in our nurseries at Sunderland Marina, and we’re looking for volunteers to help us keep an eye on them as part of our monthly monitoring surveys—come join us!

Our surveys take place on the first Tuesday of every month at Sunderland Marina and typically last 3–4 hours. You’ll be working alongside our friendly team and other volunteers, getting involved in real conservation work. No prior experience or equipment is needed, and all training and information will be provided on the day. You will just need sturdy, waterproof clothing and a positive attitude!

Here’s what a typical day might include:
- Oyster health and reproduction surveys: You’ll assist in checking oysters for signs of disease, growth, and reproductive activity. This will involve retrieving our oyster cages from the sea, with some gentle handling and visual inspection.
- Biodiversity net surveys: You’ll help collect and identify mobile marine animals (like crabs, shrimp, and small fish) using nets. We record what species are present and how many we find.
- Photo surveys of oysters: We’ll take close-up photos of oysters to document the sessile (non-moving) animals living on their shells—like barnacles, sea squirts, and baby oysters!

Life jackets and gloves are provided. Sturdy/waterproof footwear highly recommended as the pontoons can sometimes be slippery, and also advised to dress for the weather. Also advised to bring clothes that you do not mind getting muddy/wet.

If you would like to contribute to a local marine conservation project, working to improve local water quality, biodiversity, and overall health of the local marine ecosystem whilst making friends and getting out into the fresh air, then this is the project for you! Whether you have a marine background, or keen to get hands on and learn more about local habitat restoration taking place, everyone is welcome!

If you have any queries, please get in touch: ben.coppin@groundwork.org.uk I look forward to hearing from you and hopefully see you soon.

Please note that we are able to host u16s on these sessions, though they must be accompanied by a responsible adult, and a consent form signed before partaking in volunteer activities.

All the best,
Ben

Marine Engagement & Restoration Officer, Groundwork North East and Cumbria.

The Wild Oysters Project is a partnership between Groundwork North East and Cumbria and the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), funded by the Stronger Shores Partnership, led by South Tyneside Council, with funding from Defra as part of the Flood and Coastal Resilience Innovation Programmes (FCRIP) managed by the Environment Agency.

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