Oyster Restoration and Management - Phase I
Implementing Organization
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MS DEQ)
Overview
DWH Project Funding
$11,780,000
Known Leveraged Funding
$7,300,000
Funding Organization
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)
Funding Program
NFWF Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund GEBF
Details
Project Category
Environmental
Project Actions
Habitat Restoration and Enhancement
Targeted Resources
Oysters/Reefs
Project Description
This project seeks to improve oyster populations and sustainability in coastal Mississippi by conducting several studies to better understand why oyster populations are not more resilient and how productivity can be improved. This project will provide managers with information needed to undertake future large-scale oyster restoration projects and improve the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of such efforts. The studies include an assessment of cultch-type, research into the effects of contaminated oyster shell on recruitment, and baseline water quality and benthic habitat assessments in the Mississippi Sound to identify preferred locations for future restoration. The project also includes a pilot nearshore a oyster gardeningaTM program to produce oysters for conservation purposes.
Contact
Camille Covington228-396-0487
ccovington@cce.ms
Project Website
Mississippi Department of Marine Resources
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