Year: 2023
Project(s):
Mississippi Oyster Gardening Program (Part 2)
Using a volunteer-based oyster gardening program in coastal Mississippi to enhance oyster restoration
Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium Engagement - Master Oyster Gardening
Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium Engagement - Oyster Gardening in Alabama
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 Mississippi and Alabama Oyster Gardening Programs with the goal of recruiting, training and empowering volunteers to grow oysters for restoration projects.
Response
The Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant-supported Mississippi and Alabama Oyster Gardening programs provided training and supplies to volunteers interested in growing oysters for restoration projects.
Results
Between 2018 and 2023, the Mississippi and Alabama Oyster Gardening programs produced 676,736 oysters for restoration projects, which carries a restoration potential of 33.12 acres and a conservative annual ecosystem service impact of $709,654.
Recap
The Mississippi and Alabama Oyster Gardening programs, coordinated by a Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant extension specialist, produced 676,736 oysters for restoration projects, which carries a restoration potential of 33.12 acres. (2018-2023)