The Solent once hosted Europe’s largest native oyster fishery, but overfishing, pollution, disease, and habitat loss caused a 95% decline, leading to the fishery’s collapse in 2013. Native oysters, vital for water filtration, habitat creation, and coastal protection, are now a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority. The Solent Oyster Restoration Project, led by Blue Marine, is reviving oyster populations through nurseries, reef creation, hatchery breeding, and community outreach. Since 2015, nearly 100,000 oysters have been restored. Key partners include universities, government agencies, and local groups. In 2021, the first restored oyster reef was established in Langstone Harbour.