This research program is part of an effort to fill key knowledge gaps in support of Maryland’s oyster resource and oyster industries. Chesapeake Bay is home to thriving commercial fishing and aquaculture industries and one of the largest oyster restoration efforts in North America. The lack of fresh shell substrate has become a major impediment to all of these activities and alternatives are being considered for large-scale use in restoration and industry efforts. To address this challenge and others related to oyster production and restoration, the Maryland General Assembly mandated a program (SB830 2022) to evaluate:
- Topic 1: Types of substrate, including fresh shell, fossilized shell, combinations of shell and alternative substrates that are most appropriate for use in oyster harvest areas.
- Topic 2: Benefits, including habitat-related benefits, of using stones of various sizes in oyster restoration areas.
- Topic 3: Alternative substrates used for oyster restoration or repletion in other regions, including the success of efforts to use alternative substrates.
- Topic 4: Potential for retrofitting existing structures, such as riprap revetments that are unrelated to oyster restoration, but use materials similar to artificial reefs including oyster plantings.
- Topic 5: Effect of spat size upon deployment on oyster abundance.
The final report of this report of this research program is entitled Evaluating Methods to Enhance Oyster Production with Alternative Substrates, Retrofits, and Hatchery Holding Times: A Report to the Maryland General Assembly, Governor, and Secretary of Natural Resources in Response to Senate Bill 830 (2022) and can be downloaded here:
Two symposiums were held as part of this research program. Information and summary reports can be found here: