The Incredible Oyster Reef

Most of us who love the Chesapeake Bay know that oysters once existed in storied numbers in an earlier time, long before poor water quality, disease, and harvesting nearly put an end to them. This film explores oysters as a keystone species with a remarkable, and it seems, indispensable ability to heal the Bay’s troubled waters.

21 Mar 2017
00:10:08

More About Oysters

Eastern Oysters

Chesapeake Bay oysters are rebounding due to restoration efforts and harvesting restrictions.

News

CBF Praises House Investments in 2021 Bay Oyster Restoration and Environmental Education

July 31, 2020

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation welcomed today’s vote in the House of Representatives for fiscal year 2021 spending plans that include funding for oyster restoration through the Army Corps of Engineers and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Bay watershed education program.
Pioneering Nansemond River Effort to Use Oyster Restoration to Protect Shorelines

July 20, 2020

These restoration projects will deploy a variety of innovative techniques and the results will be evaluated for their ability to provide benefits such as increasing oyster populations and preventing erosion.
CBF Applauds Funding Increase for Watershed Education and Oyster Restoration in House Spending Bill

July 14, 2020

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation applauded proposed funding increases for Bay watershed education and oyster restoration and research in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s fiscal year 2021 budget.
CBF Welcomes Fiscal 2021 Oyster Restoration Funds in Bill Approved by House Appropriations Committee

July 13, 2020

CBF applauds the House Appropriations Committee for including $5 million for oyster restoration and rehabilitation in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' fiscal year 2021 spending plan.
Cutting-Edge Floating Oyster Restoration Center Now in Operation

July 13, 2020

CBF has put its cutting-edge floating oyster restoration facility into full operation, transforming how we help bring back Virginia's oyster population.

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Oyster Farming in the Bay

24 Jun 2020 00:00:59

Oyster farming—the practice of cultivating oysters for food—is a growing part of Maryland and Virginia's economy.
Farming Oysters with an Adjustable Longline

19 Jun 2020 00:01:53

Alex Lambert of Lambert Shellfish demonstrates the adjustable longline technique used in oyster aquaculture.
The Value of Oyster Aquaculture in Maryland

01 Apr 2020 00:02:02

Oyster aquaculture is not only helping the economy throughout the Bay region, it's also helping save the Bay. Learn how Maryland's oyster aquaculture industry has grown and its impact on the Bay and the economy from CBF's Maryland Fisheries Scientist, Allison Colden.
Ask an Expert: Why are Oysters Important for the Chesapeake Bay?

25 Mar 2020 Episode 1 | 00:06:46

Why is an oyster hard to shuck? How do young oysters choose their homes? What happens when an oyster filters water? CBF’s Maryland Fisheries Scientist Allison Colden gets up close and personal with the Bay’s famous bivalve.
The Chesapeake Oyster Alliance

20 Mar 2019 00:02:00

Learn more about the Chesapeake Oyster Alliance's work to accelerate the Chesapeake Bay's recovery by restoring its oyster population.