Cosmetics brand supports oyster habitats in UK & Europe
Cosmetics firm Mary Kay Inc. is strengthening its sustainable credentials by expanding its partnership with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and European partners to support native oyster restoration projects in the UK and continental Europe.
Oyster reefs filter water resulting in increased water quality whilst also supporting the oceans' ecosystems. Over 90% of former oyster reefs in the North Sea, English Channel, and coastal areas from Ireland, areas of Scandinavia and the Baltic, and through the Mediterranean to the Black Sea have been lost.
Through the Native Oyster Restoration Alliance (NORA) in Europe, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is collaborating to restore natural European flat oyster habitats. Oyster restoration sites in the UK include Blackwater, Crouch, Roach, and Colne Estuaries' Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) and The Solent, the strait of water that separates the Isle of Wight from mainland UK. In continental Europe, the project is developing and testing offshore methods for the long-term restoration of oyster stocks in the German North Sea.
Dr Elizabeth McLeod, who leads on reef conservation for TNC's Global Reef Program, explains:
“Oyster reefs are some of the best investments we can make in conserving natural systems. Healthy oyster populations ensure cleaner water and help shield coastal areas and the people who live there from the impacts of climate change. With support from funders like Mary Kay, TNC can restore and protect these important systems for the long term.”
Mary Kay's Chief Operating Officer, Deborah Gibbins, adds:
“Mary Kay is proud to support The Nature Conservancy's work to help reintroduce the native European oyster to restore critical marine biodiversity.
“The Nature Conservancy's vast experience in oyster reef restoration on four continents gives us confidence in their efforts to revitalize these rare and critically endangered habitats in European marine waters. At Mary Kay, we are focused on leaving the planet better than we found it. That includes protecting creatures large and small.”
Mary Kay Inc.
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