Oysters are vital to the Chesapeake Bay, filtering excess nutrients and providing habitat for fish and crabs. Due to factors like disease and overfishing, only around 3% of the native oyster population remains. NOAA collaborates with various agencies to restore oyster reefs in the bay, aiming to revitalize 10 tributaries by 2025. Restoration involves detailed planning, including maps and specific actions needed for each area, such as seeding with baby oysters or constructing reefs. Progress is monitored to ensure success.
Restored reefs significantly benefit the ecosystem by removing nitrogen, enhancing juvenile blue crab survival, and increasing economic output related to fishing. Fully mature reefs could boost blue crab harvests by 150% and create around 300 jobs. The visual differences between restored and harvested reefs also highlight the ecological impact.
