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| Species: Marine
Mammals |
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Molluscs Oysters Ostrea
edulis
Oysters are quite a common species in Clare, although they suffered a serious decline in some areas. In Aughinish and Muckinish bays the oyster had become almost extinct due to overfishing, but the oyster beds are now recovering. The Shannon Estuary is also an important site for Oyster farming. Habitat: Marine, sea bed. What could or does threaten the population: Marine pollution particularly TBT (tri-butyl tin) used in anti-fouling paints. Also intensive aquaculture involving non-native oyster species can introduce exotic species and diseases. The recent rises in sea temperatures has resulted in an increase in the number of Pacific oysters. There are concerns that it may eventually outbreed the Irish oyster, in the same way the Grey squirrel is competing with the Red squirrel.
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