A groundbreaking study published in Nature Sustainability has unveiled the extensive historical presence of European oyster reefs, highlighting their significant ecological role and the profound impact of their decline. By analyzing over 1,600 records spanning 350 years, researchers mapped the historical distribution of European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) reefs across a 10 km² resolution.

The findings reveal that these reefs once covered more than 1.7 million hectares along the coasts of France, Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, serving as vital three-dimensional habitats that supported diverse marine life.

The study underscores how the loss of these complex structures has led to a ‘flattening’ of coastal ecosystems, emphasizing the need for informed restoration efforts to revive these crucial marine habitats.