Year: 2020
Project(s):
Relevance
Oyster reefs have decreased in Mississippi and Alabama as a result of a variety of stressors. Oysters and oyster reefs provide many benefits to the local ecosystem including habitat for over 300 species of animals, filtration of the water and reducing coastal erosion.
Response
In Mississippi and Alabama, MASGC staff conducted in-person and virtual oyster gardening volunteer trainings and worked with interested volunteers to grow oysters that were used to re-seed historically viable reef sites and supplement existing restorative projects.
Results
In 2020, 301 volunteers at 133 sites produced 80,824 oysters with a restorative potential of 4.03 acres and an economic value of $88,257.
Recap
Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium (MASGC) specialists worked with volunteers in Mississippi and Alabama to produce 80,824 oysters for restoration projects. (2020)