Creation of oyster reef sanctuaries in the Yeocomico and Lynnhaven Rivers, Chesapeake Bay

The oyster resource in Virginia's portion of the Chesapeake Bay is at its lowest level. Oysters are pivotal organisms in the ecology of the Chesapeake Bay both for the habitat they create and for their water filtering capacity. In addition, their numbers have supported a very substantial commercial fishery. Years of overharvesting, habitat destruction and severe diseaseinduced mortalities have reduced oyster populations, and Virginia's annual oyster harvest to less than one percent of that 50 years ago. The reproductive potential of the oyster has been severely compromised by low population levels and the loss of acceptable habitat. This project is another step in an ongoing restoration effort by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) to increase oyster broodstock by creating the most optimal oyster habitat. Grant no. NA76FU0159