Chesapeake Oyster Alliance
The Chesapeake Oyster Alliance was a multi-year effort designed to spark governmental action, public attention, and funding to accelerate ongoing oyster restoration efforts in the Chesapeake Bay. The ambitious goal of this collaborative effort was to add 10 billion new oysters by 2025 in Virginia and Maryland waters.
By 2025, the Chesapeake Oyster Alliance (COA) consisted of 109 core members across oyster restoration, aquaculture, and academia. Through the collaborative work of these partners, over seven billion oysters were added to the Bay.
Advocacy
COA members engaged on over forty pieces of state and federal legislation that would impact oysters in the Bay. In addition to directly lobbying representatives, partners in both states served oysters to legislators on the now-famous “Oyster Day” on Capitol Square in Richmond, VA (five times) and Lawyer’s Mall in Annapolis, MD (three times).
Science
COA hosted four phenomenal Chesapeake Oyster Science Symposiums, two in each state. At these convenings, partners were able to share success stories and lessons learned, all while enjoying the beautiful parts of the Bay where we work.
Innovation
COA gave out 71 awards to partner organizations to allow them to experiment and innovate to improve restoration and aquaculture techniques. These projects were often featured at the Chesapeake Oyster Science Symposiums.
