Year: 2023
Relevance
Relevance:
Due to historical decline in oyster populations, restoration of oysters is a goal of many natural resource management agencies. A Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant-funded extension specialist led the coordination and training for the Alabama Oyster Gardening Program with the goal of recruiting, training and empowering volunteers to grow oysters for restoration projects.
Response
The Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant-supported Alabama Oyster Gardening Program provided training and supplies to volunteers interested in growing oysters for restoration projects.
Results
Between2018 and 2023, the Alabama Oyster Gardening Program produced 422,022 oysters for restoration projects, which carries a restoration potential of 20.53 acres and a conservative annual ecosystem service impact of $413,552.
Recap
The Alabama Oyster Gardening Program, coordinated by a Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant extension specialist, produced 422,022 oysters for restoration projects which carries a restoration potential of 20.53 acres. (2018-2023)