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

The iconic Chesapeake Bay oyster plays an important role in the Bay ecosystem, as well as the local seafood industry.

News

Gov. Moore’s New Budget Includes Several Chesapeake Bay Restoration Priorities

January 20, 2023

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s newly released state budget includes funding for several high priority initiatives to improve Chesapeake Bay.
Virginia Bill Advances for Tax Credit to Restaurants Supporting Oyster Restoration

January 17, 2023

Restaurants and other businesses that recycle oyster shells to restore oyster populations would receive a tax credit under legislation that passed a Virginia Senate committee today.
Chesapeake Oyster Alliance Awards Grants for 13 Innovative Oyster Projects

January 9, 2023

The Chesapeake Oyster Alliance (COA) in partnership with Chesapeake Bay Trust is proud to announce over $115,000 in new grants were recently awarded to 13 different oyster-related businesses and organizations to enhance efforts to add more oysters to the Bay.
CBF and SERC Announce New Oyster Restoration Partnership

November 14, 2022

Today, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) and Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) are proud to announce a new partnership centered on oyster restoration.
Hampton Groups Declare Oyster Renaissance in the City

October 27, 2022

Business, science, and conservation organizations in the City of Hampton today declared an oyster renaissance, highlighting increasing oyster populations, a growing local seafood scene, volunteer oyster growing efforts, and the support of Hampton businesses.

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Who Lives on an Oyster Reef?

22 Jun 2022 00:01:30

Oyster reefs create vital habitat for more than 300 species of Chesapeake Bay critters. Meet 10 of our favorites in this animated video.
How Do CBF's Oyster Restoration Barges Work?

21 Jun 2022 00:01:52

This one-of-a-kind mobile oyster nursery allows the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to restore the Bay’s oyster population more efficiently than ever.
Oyster Restoration Success in the City

15 Mar 2022 00:02:14

Norfolk’s Lafayette River was once polluted, but thanks to work by CBF, the Elizabeth River Project, and other partners, the river is now better known for successful oyster restoration.
The Oyster Path at CBF’s Brock Environmental Center

05 Nov 2021 00:14:54

Visit this fascinating walking path of interpretive signs on the grounds of CBF’s Brock Environmental Center or take the video tour.
Nansemond Indian Nation: Restoring Connections Through Oysters

26 Oct 2021 00:03:30

After centuries of displacement, the Nansemond Indian Nation is rebuilding connections to their ancestral waterway, raising oysters for restoration work and volunteering to build living shorelines.