Healthy seas. Stronger communities.
Ireland is an island nation.
Our seas connect us, sustain us and shape the places we call home. When they are healthy, everything connected to them is stronger.
But much has been lost.
Green Ocean Foundation is bringing together communities, volunteers, scientists and businesses to help restore Ireland’s coastal ecosystems and bring life back to our seas.
Beginning in Dublin Bay and now expanding along Ireland’s east coast, we are proving that recovery is possible.
Join us.
Ireland’s Seas Can Recover
Green Ocean Foundation is an Irish registered charity dedicated to restoring marine biodiversity, improving water quality and reconnecting people with the sea through practical environmental action.
Working alongside scientists, volunteers, schools, communities and businesses, we are helping rebuild the foundations of healthier seas for future generations.
Our projects demonstrate how local action, supported by science and community involvement, can create lasting environmental change.
Because recovery starts with action.
Proof That Recovery Is Possible
From Pilot Project To Recovery
Successful projects in Dún Laoghaire, Malahide, Howth and Greystones are demonstrating that marine recovery is possible along Ireland’s east coast.
Recovery Beyond Dublin Bay
In 2025, Green Ocean established an 18,000-oyster broodstock population in Dún Laoghaire Harbour, marking the transition from testing restoration methods to rebuilding future oyster reefs in Dublin Bay.
Science Guiding Action
Our partnership with DCU Water Institute is helping us understand, measure and demonstrate the environmental benefits of ecosystem restoration.
Communities Driving Recovery
More than 2,000 people have already participated through volunteering, education programmes, corporate partnerships and community engagement.
Inspiring Wider Change
National and international media coverage has helped raise awareness of marine biodiversity loss and inspire thousands more people to become part of the recovery.
Dublin Bay
After an absence of 200 years, Green Ocean reintroduced native oysters into 3 locations around Dublin Bay in 2023. Oysters are natural “climate champions”, improving water quality and marine biodiversity. Using innovative “oyster gardening” techniques, oysters are suspended in baskets from marina walkways at multiple locations around Dublin Bay. These oysters naturally filter the water, helping to reduce excess nutrients and pollutants. Their presence also supports biodiversity by encouraging the growth of seagrass and seaweed, which provide vital spawning grounds for fish and their predators as well as being a important carbon sink by sequestering carbon. Following the successful completion of phase 1, which saw strong oyster growth and reproduction, over the past year, the project is entering phase 2 in Autumn 2024. This phase is expanding the initiative to 120 oyster baskets across six locations in the Bay.
Clew Bay
Working with Clew Bay Oyster Co-op, we are restoring the ancient fishing grounds in Clew Bay which are now designated as Special Areas of Conservation. Our restoration work involves laying a thin substrate of old shell on the sea floor ahead of oyster spawning in July / August every year to promote oyster larvae settlement. These larvae or spat grow to maturity in 3 – 4 years forming reefs that support the spread of seagrass and provide shelter for fish to spawn. Having commenced this project in 2022, 12 hectares have been restored with another 168 hectares to go!
Community Engagement
Green Ocean also engages volunteers in hands-on restoration activities, such as maintaining oyster baskets and monitoring oyster health. These volunteer opportunities provide education and awareness about the importance of marine conservation, while allowing individuals to contribute directly to environmental restoration efforts. Green Ocean welcomes interest from businesses and communities who would like to get involved and offer sponsorship and support.
Contact Us Here
Green Ocean Foundation CLG
info@greenoceanfoundation.ie
Rathmichael, Co. Dublin
Company number: 772171
Registered Charity Number (RCN): 20206959