SCCF’s Coastal Watch and Marine Lab recently started a three-year project to restore oyster reefs in Tarpon Bay. Every Tuesday, volunteers assist staff in moving over 7,000 pounds of fossilized shell to four different restoration sites in the estuary.

“We are so excited to offer these weekly volunteer opportunities,” said Coastal Watch Director Kealy Pfau. “This project not only helps our oyster reefs and water quality, but it also creates unique opportunities for volunteers to get out on the boat, get their hands dirty, and get hands-on experience with our restoration efforts.”

The project builds on the new, 3-acre oyster reef SCCF constructed this past summer with grants from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Lee County, and the Coastal Conservation Association.

Utilizing specialized equipment, contractors moved 60 million pounds of fossilized shell to create this massive 3-acre reef. Now, volunteers have the unique opportunity to continue this massive restoration effort by hand-placing shell at more sensitive, smaller sites. 

“Volunteers are loading shell into buckets at an off-site location, moving the buckets to our Marine Lab, loading buckets on the boat, and then dispersing them at our restoration sites,” says Pfau. “We are building up these reefs to create ideal habitats for oyster spawn to attach themselves to, and help restore these critical reefs.” 

Oysters have declined by 90% compared to a century ago both globally and regionally, yet these important species provide vital habitat to estuarine plants and animals and improve water quality by filtering water. Every oyster can filter around 50 gallons of water per day!

Sign up on SCCF’s POINT platform for a hands-on, boots-in-the-muck experience that helps restore vital oyster reef habitat in Tarpon Bay!

Read more about our oyster work