Oyster Reef Projects & Programs

Introduction

"As much as 85% of all oyster reefs globally have been lost in the last two centuries, making oyster reefs among the most threatened habitats in the world." - Naturally Resilient Communities 

Oyster reefs provide habitat and shelter for other species, protect coastlines, and filter dangerous water so that is is safer for humans as well as wildlife. A growing number of organizations and projects around the world are now working to bring back oyster reefs. Search this directory to find a project near you, or to examples of how others are helping protect and rewild oyster beds.

Related Pages

Oyster Reef Restoration & Protection

This includes general information about about oysters and the reefs they form, including useful terminology and equipment or methods for attracting, helping oysters with attachment, breeding, and reef building.

You can also find grants, calculators, restoration guides, recordings of underwater sounds (which help spat "decide" to attach to their new homes), and guides for restoration in different geographic regions.

Oyster Reef Organizations

There's a fair amount of overlap between this page and the Oyster Reef Organizations page, however some things listed on this page are one of several programs offered by a single group, while other might be the only oyster-related programs offered by groups who may have another specific goal such as storm surge protection, water quality, general ocean biodiversity, or carbon sequestration.

Projects & Programs

Africa

The Gambia

Asia

Hong Kong

Conservationists Work to Restore Hong Kong’s Oyster Reefs

2:26 minute video about the abandoned oyster farms being revived into oyster reefs to help revitalize Hong Kong's marine ecosystems and restore their water quality.

United Arab Emirates

Rewilding the Sea: Dubai's Oyster Reef Restoration

This starts about half way through a 5 minute video about restoring Dubai's reefs, showing what students do in their project, and hearing what they think of the program.

Europe

The Netherlands

UK

Scotland

North America

USA

Alabama

California

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Mississippi

New Jersey

New Hampshire

New York

North Carolina

Oregon

South Carolina

Texas

Virginia

Washington

Restoring Native Shellfish: The Kenneth K. Chew Shellfish Hatchery

4:23 minute video about Washington State's new hatchery, research, and the benefits of oysters for supporting seagrass beds.

Oceana

Australia

NSW

Queensland

South Australia

Tasmania

Port Stephens Shellfish Reef Restoration - Long Version

4:24 minute video about the Port Stephens restoration project.

Victoria

New Zealand