The award was presented in Belfast on 1 October to Dr Mathieu Lundy, Head of Marine Recovery at Ulster Wildlife, and Dr Bob Brown OBE, a member of the charity’s Board. 

With a record number of award entries and over 90 shortlisted submissions, the judging panel recognised the project's science-led approach, strong community involvement and potential to deliver genuine transformational change.  

Since establishing Northern Ireland’s first native oyster nursery in 2022 at Bangor Marina, the local nature conservation charity has established a network of nurseries over the last four years in Belfast Harbour, Carrickfergus and Glenarm Marina. Together, they support over 3,000 adult oysters and produce millions of larvae every year to help restore a species that was once abundant in our local waters.  

European oysters help improve water quality by filtering pollutants and the nurseries provide shelter and feeding grounds for other marine life. Over 180 associated marine species have been recorded to date, including rare and charismatic finds such as the endangered European eel, alongside colourful nudibranchs (sea slugs), crabs and wrasse.  

Community engagement is central to the project, with over 80 volunteers trained as citizen scientists to collect data on oyster survival, growth, and the marine species growing alongside them.  

The project continues to grow with thousands more oysters now being deployed into the sea to help restore native oyster populations.  

Nick Baker Horne, Marine Conservation Manager, at Ulster Wildlife, said: “We are honoured to be recognised among so many inspiring organisations across the island of Ireland for our work to restore the European oyster. 

“These remarkable shellfish are vital to healthy marine ecosystems and restoring them not only helps boost biodiversity but enhances water quality and climate resilience, while empowering local communities.  

“This award is a testament to our colleagues, past and present, whose expertise and passion helped to drive innovation and partnerships, and build the project over the last four years, alongside the incredible volunteers who have given their time, skills and enthusiasm.  

“We are also incredibly grateful to our funders DAERA and Wilson Resources, alongside our partners Belfast Harbour, Bangor Marina, and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for supporting this pioneering work.”  

The 2026 All-Ireland Sustainability Awards brought together more than 300 attendees from organisations across the island of Ireland as part of the inaugural All-Ireland Festival of Sustainable Impact, in partnership with Cushon. 

Supported by judges from across Ireland’s leading sustainability authorities, academic institutions, and leading businesses who have embraced sustainability and flown the flag for best practice, winners spanning the length and breadth of Ireland were celebrated for their resilience, creativity and innovation. 

Find out more about Ulster Wildlife’s European oyster restoration work