Year: 2022
Relevance
Oyster habitat in estuarine ecosystems has declined over the past century. Freshwater inputs from recent historic flooding have caused a more rapid decline.
Response
In Alabama, professionals with the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium worked alongside 180 volunteers to establish 90 oyster gardening sites in coastal areas. Stakeholders and volunteers participated in the care requirements for producing oysters used for local restoration purposes.
Results
In 2022, 180 volunteers produced 86,000 oysters which have the restorative potential of 4.26 acres and an economic value of $107,305 (2022 dollars). Combined with the value from volunteer efforts in the program, the overall estimated value to Alabama was calculated to be $195,358.
Recap
Professionals with the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium worked alongside 180 volunteers in coastal Alabama to produce more than 86,000 oysters for local restoration purposes. (2022)