St. Mary's River Sees Major Boost in Oyster Restoration Efforts

By David M. Higgins II, Publisher/Editor on July 29, 2024

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) in collaboration with the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Maryland, has recently deployed 150 reef balls laden with juvenile oysters into the St. Mary's River. This move marks a significant step in the campaign to restore oyster habitats in Chesapeake Bay's tributaries, aiming to introduce a total of 600 oyster reef balls into the river.

The St. Mary's River, designated as one of 11 Bay tributaries targeted for full oyster habitat restoration by 2025, stands out as the only project on Maryland's western shore. CBF's 2024 report, Hope on the Halfshell, advocates for expanding oyster restoration to 20 additional Bay rivers, highlighting the need for increased investment in these ecosystems.

Julie Luecke, CBF Maryland Coastal Resource Scientist, emphasized the proven success of the strategic restoration model. "A healthier Bay will require additional investment in oyster restoration and aquaculture, and luckily we already know it works," Luecke stated, pointing out the environmental and economic benefits of robust oyster populations.

Oyster sanctuary reefs play a crucial role in the ecosystem, filtering water and providing habitats for various species such as blue crabs and striped bass. These reefs also contribute to the local economy by seeding areas outside the sanctuaries, thereby supporting commercial oyster harvesting.

The reef balls used in this initiative are specially designed concrete structures that mimic the environment of natural oyster reefs. These structures not only prevent young oysters from suffocating in the muddy seabed but also provide a stable habitat for their growth and development.

Over the course of the year, volunteers from CBF and CCA have constructed more than 600 reef balls, supported by funding from CCA through a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

David Sikorski, CCA Maryland Executive Director, shared his enthusiasm for the community's involvement. "It's great to know that through rolling up our sleeves and working together, we can make long lasting impact on the future health of our watershed," Sikorski remarked.

This initiative aligns with the Chesapeake Oyster Alliance's ambitious goal to add 10 billion oysters to Maryland and Virginia waters by 2025, reinforcing efforts to preserve and enhance the Bay's ecological health.