Prying Genomes: Providing a molecular foundation for sustainable oyster restoration

The European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) has a long history of overexploitation and is currently considered functionally extinct throughout much of its native range. Due to its high ecological value in supporting marine biodiversity, the flat oyster is a key target species in restoration projects. In this PhD project, I investigated genomic and epigenomic variation across native oyster populations and individuals to provide a molecular foundation for sustainable restoration strategies aimed at preserving genetic diversity. Characterizing multiple sources of molecular variation in the O. edulis genome, including fine-scale population structure, structural variation, and sex-specific DNA methylation patterns, provide valuable insights that can inform sustainable restoration strategies.