Scientists from the SCCF Marine Lab presented an educational exhibit highlighting oyster reef research supported by grants from the Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club (SCSC) at the club’s annual Sanibel Shell Show.

On March 6-8 at the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa, the Marine Lab team shared their efforts to research and restore oyster reefs in San Carlos Bay and Tarpon Bay.

“We appreciated the opportunity to share our research efforts with shell enthusiasts,” said Research Associate Amy Oxton. “Healthy and restored oyster reefs provide a myriad of ecosystem services to our region.”

The SCSC donates proceeds from the show to support research and education in Southwest Florida related to malacology and conchology. Over the years, SCCF has also received grant funds for hard clam studies.

“Our research is critical to support oyster reefs in San Carlos Bay, the Caloosahatchee River, Tarpon Bay, and Pine Island Sound that have declined due to anthropogenic impacts,” said Oxton.

Impacts include direct mining of reefs in the 1960s for roadbeds and, more recently, freshwater discharges from Lake Okeechobee and the Caloosahatchee, which have greatly modified the timing and delivery of freshwater to the estuary.

The resulting water quality declines have recently been partially addressed by the new Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual, or LOSOM, which came online in August 2024.

“The new schedule decreases the frequency of high discharges and will provide more stability for oyster reefs to maintain a healthy state,” said Oxton.

Generous donations from organizations like the SCSC and the Coastal Conservation Association, as well as grants from Lee County, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, make the Marine Lab’s oyster restoration efforts possible.