Oysters harbor a wide variety of environmental benefits, and through the restoration of oyster populations in the sound, we are in turn restoring health to Long Island Sound itself. Each oyster filters 50 gallons of sea water a day, cleansing the waters of nitrates. This helps clarify the water and prevent harmful algae blooms. Along with improving water quality, oysters serve as one of the best carbon neutral sources of protein, not just for people, but for marine animals as well. Our restoration program focuses on rebuilding oyster reefs. Through natural increasing the oyster population, the reefs that form help create an organic marine environment for ocean species to live in safely. On top of this, these reefs help stop shoreline erosion. When erosion occurs, sediments are spread that can cover and kill other natural wildlife, including clams and crabs. By combatting erosion, we are not only protecting the coastal shoreline, but also protecting marine sea life and their habitats. ​
Left to right; Sen. Christine Cohen, Comm'r Bryan Hurlburt, Spencer Bartels, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz
Our restoration process begins with strengthening the sea floor in order to allow the growth of an oyster reef. After the floor is stirred with an open dredge, hard shell is placed on top. Clam shells and conch shells are layered on the earth to provide a strong, calcium-rich hard base. Next, we will let our loose oyster shells sit out in the sun for six months, naturally sun-bleaching and cleaning them. This dries out any bacteria on the shell, giving them a surface that has no slippery residue. It is these shells that baby oysters will ultimately cling to, and the sun bleached calcium makes this an easier surface for the baby oysters to latch on to. After sun-bleaching, the clean oyster shell will be placed in the ocean, on top of the hard bottom. This will be done two weeks before the existing oysters in the surrounding area will naturally spawn. Once the ocean water reaches 70-72 degrees, the surrounding oysters will breed and oyster spat (baby oysters) will be born. Two weeks after the oyster spat has spawned, the baby oysters will have grown a nearly microscopic foot. This means that they can now swim. The babies will swim to the calcium shell on the sea floor and attach themselves to it. There, they begin to grow. Once they latch, they will stay there for the rest of their lives, growing, breeding, and creating a layering of oysters that ultimately forms a reef. When it comes to sustainable protection of marine environments and wildlife, oyster reef restoration is of crucial importance.
