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

News

Hampton River Oyster Grant to Bring One Million New Oysters and Engage Local Students and Community

September 4, 2024

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) today awarded the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) a grant to restore oyster habitat in the Hampton River.
Fish for Oyster Restoration in the 2024 Maryland Rod and Reef Slam

August 1, 2024

Registration is now open for one of the Chesapeake Bay’s most unique fishing tournaments—the Maryland Rod and Reef Slam.
CBF Rebuilds 3-D Habitat in St. Mary’s River Oyster Sanctuary in Southern Maryland

July 24, 2024

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) and Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Maryland deployed 150 reef balls set with spat, or juvenile oysters, into the St. Mary’s River in southern Maryland.
NOAA Grant Catalyzes New Phase of Oyster Restoration in Maryland

July 19, 2024

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently announced a $10 million grant for oyster sanctuary reef construction in Maryland.
Oyster Restoration in Chesapeake Bay Expected to Meet 2025 Goal

June 6, 2024

The Chesapeake Bay Program announced today that the goal to restore healthy oyster reefs in 10 Chesapeake Bay tributaries should meet its 2025 deadline.

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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.
10 Billion Oysters for a Clean Chesapeake Bay

27 Feb 2018 Episode 76 | 00:14:44

In this episode, CBF President Will Baker, National Aquarium President John Racanelli, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science President Emeritus Dr. Don Boesch, and Hoopers Island Oyster Company Founder Johnny Shockley announce a very exciting partnership to place ten billion new oysters in Chesapeake Bay by 2025.
Chillin’ in the Water as They’re Filter Feedin’

19 Jan 2018 00:00:55

Check out CBF's Virginia Oyster Restoration Manager, Jackie Shannon, performing her original Oyster Rap!