Apalachicola Bay Oyster Restoration (Implementation)

Implementing Organization

Florida State

Overview

DWH Project Funding

$4,679,877

Known Leveraged Funding

$0

Funding Organization

Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council

Funding Program

The RESTORE Act Funds Bucket 2: Comprehensive Plan

Details

Project Category

Environmental

Project Actions

Habitat Restoration and Enhancement

Targeted Resources

Oysters/Reefs

Project Description

Oyster reefs are important to Apalachicola Bay's future; Beck et al. (2011) estimated that 85% of oyster reefs have been lost globally, with Apalachicola Bay being one area with significant remaining reefs (Beck et al. 2011). Therefore, placing substrate or "cultch" in bays where natural reproduction occurs, is among the most effective technique used to: 1) create reef infrastructure, 2) stimulate spat setting, 3) sustain oyster fisheries, 4) enhance community functions, 5) increase natural productivity, and 6) accelerate the recovery process. The objective of this activity is to extend the Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource Damage Assessment Early Restoration Phase III oyster cultch project by completing all applicable environmental compliance and permitting to restore approximately 219 additional acres of natural oyster reefs through the addition of approximately 43,858 cubic yards of cultch material.

Contact

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Project Website

Project Partners

None

Affiliated Institutions

This is an expansion of a NRDA Early Restoration III Project