The future of past reefs: politics of care in oyster restoration across the North Atlantic

There is increasing interest in bringing back oyster reefs that once covered North-Atlantic coasts. Reef restoration involves practices of caring and repairing, and assumes human intervention. This raises the question: what is a good reef to restore for the future? My research investigates the different perspectives that come together in restoration and which ones are included or excluded in the process. I do this through empirical fieldwork in oyster restoration initiatives in the United States, Netherlands and United Kingdom, and comparing these. The findings will offer new insights in how to restore reefs in ways that are inclusive and just.