Year: 2023
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 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 Mississippi Oyster Gardening Program provided training and supplies to volunteers interested in growing oysters for restoration projects.
Results
Between 2018 and 2023, the Mississippi Oyster Gardening Program produced 254,714 oysters for restoration projects, which carries a restoration potential of 12.59 acres and a conservative annual ecosystem service impact of $296,101.
Recap
The Mississippi Oyster Gardening Program, coordinated by a Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant extension specialist, produced 254,714 oysters for restoration projects, which carries a restoration potential of 12.59 acres. (2018-2023)