Fully half of Virginia is drained by Chesapeake Bay rivers, and two-thirds of the state's population lives within the Bay watershed. From the farm fields of the Shenandoah Valley to the pinewoods of the Eastern Shore, for most Virginians the Bay is as close as the nearest creek or stream.

OYSTER RESTORATION


Oysters are a vital component of the Bay’s health. They filter microscopic plants from the water, which helps keep the water clean and clear. Healthy and robust oyster populations also create oyster reefs that provide habitat for hundreds of species of fish and shellfish.

Despite their importance, the oyster population is dwindling. Decades of pollution, over-harvesting, and disease have led to the decline. According to many estimates, the Chesapeake Bay has lost all but a few percent of its oyster population since John Smith first sailed into its waters in the 17th century.

Restoring native oysters to the Bay is a high priority for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF). It is a long-term and large-scale process that requires the participation and commitment of federal and state agencies, watershed groups, and local citizens. Read about CBF’s oyster restoration programs and how you can help bring back the oysters:

  • Oyster shell recycling: Got extra oyster shells? Don’t throw them away. Give them to CBF. We’ll use them for restoration projects, such as building oyster reefs and constructing living shorelines.
     
  • Living shoreline construction program [PDF]: Use oyster shells to create a "living shoreline" that attracts wildlife.
     
  • Oyster gardening: Play a hands-on role in saving the Bay by growing oysters alongside your dock. Once grown, the adult oysters will be returned to CBF for planting on sanctuary reefs.
     
  • Oyster aquaculture: Oyster aquaculture, or “oyster farming,” using disease-resistant oysters is gaining momentum as a means to revive the ailing Chesapeake Bay oyster industry. CBF’s oyster farm is located on Sarah’s Creek in Gloucester County. Learn more from our fact sheet (pdf).
     
  • Download our 2008 Oyster Restoration Center annual report (pdf).  

For more information about CBF’s oyster restoration work in Virginia, contact Tommy Leggett at (804) 642-6639 or tleggett@cbf.org