How It Works

In the fall, build oyster cages and fill them with “spat on shell”—tiny baby oysters living on old oyster shells. Hang the cages off a dock so the spat can have a chance to grow. Then in late spring, return the more mature oysters to CBF to be placed on an oyster sanctuary.

Why Oysters?

Oysters filter algae out of the water, and a single adult oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water a day. Young oysters also grow on top of older oysters, forming reefs that provide shelter for other animals, like fish and crabs.

Unfortunately, after decades of overharvesting, habitat destruction, water pollution, and a bout with disease, oyster levels in the Bay have dropped to about 2 percent of their historic levels. So CBF and others are working to rebuild the oyster population, through oyster gardening and other efforts. More oyster facts.

When Can I Start?

Oyster gardening workshops happen in the late summer or early fall. At the workshops you build cages and get oyster spat.

Where Can I Do This?

You need access to a dock that’s located on a body of water with a minimum salinity level. Check our Maryland and Virginia Oyster Gardening FAQ pages.

How Do I Sign Up?

Check our Maryland and Virginia oyster gardening pages for details.

More Links

• Save Oyster Shell (S.O.S.) – CBF’s shell recycling program.
• CBF Oyster Restoration
• About oysters and their history (Chesapeake Bay Program)