Development of hydrodynamic larval dispersal model for Northern Ireland’s sea loughs

Ulster Wildlife would like to establish a partnership with a qualified and experienced hydrodynamic model provider during 2023-2026. The partnership will explore larval dispersal of native oysters (//Ostrea edulis//) within Northern Ireland’s sea loughs. The project will include collaborative working between Ulster Wildlife and the service provider, data scoping, model setup and scenario testing. The partner shall develop a model that will be used for dispersal simulation of native oyster larvae from distinct locations within sea loughs and their immediate adjacency sea areas. Within the contracted period the service provider will work in partnership with Ulster Wildlife as an ongoing process, within the funding limits of the project, to ensure maximum benefit for the understanding of the conservation of native oyster and informing future conservation objectives.

The selected service provider shall be responsible for establishing an exploratory coastal hydrodynamic larval dispersal model set of three independent study areas:

Belfast Lough: -5.942505, 54.601455, -5.548370, 54.761741

Larne Lough: -5.836075, 54.770965, -5.690163, 54.858161

Carlingford Lough: -6.298325, 53.994849, -6.033279, 54.112082