Summary of Oyster Reef Building Season Has Come to an End:
The Restore, Our Shores conservation team, has completed the construction of 18 oyster reefs in the Indian River Lagoon. These reefs help maintain the ecosystem by filtering water, controlling harmful algae blooms, and protecting shorelines. The team will continue to monitor the reefs during the off-season and expects baby oysters to grow on them next year. The construction of the first coquina reef without manmade materials is a significant achievement. The next season will begin in March 2024. The project was funded by the Save Our Indian River Lagoon Project Plan in partnership with Brevard County Natural Resources. Gardening and building volunteers were essential to the project’s success. The Brevard Zoo relies on generous support from the community to continue its animal wellness, education, and conservation programs.
Summary:
– Oyster reef building season has ended, with 18 reefs constructed in the Indian River Lagoon.
– Oysters are crucial in balancing the ecosystem and providing various benefits.
– Ongoing monitoring of the reefs will assess their success and improvements in design.
– The construction of the first coquina reef marks an exciting milestone for the Restore Our Shores team.
– The next season will begin in March 2024, and the team expresses gratitude towards partners and volunteers.
Ah, Shucks! Oyster Reef Building Season Has Come to an End
The oyster reef building season has officially concluded, and it’s time to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the Restore Our Shores conservation team. Over several months, they tirelessly worked to construct 18 oyster reefs across the North basin of the Indian River Lagoon, covering an impressive area of 13,700 square feet. Tyler Provoncha, the permit coordination expert of Restore Our Shores, provides valuable insights into this year’s efforts.
Oysters, often called keystone species, play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the Indian River Lagoon’s ecosystem. These remarkable creatures act as natural filters, using their feeding apparatus to clean and purify the surrounding water. By doing so, oysters help control harmful algae blooms, which can devastate aquatic life. Furthermore, their presence helps protect shorelines from erosion, making them essential for maintaining the ecological integrity of this unique habitat.
While the construction phase may be over, the work is far from finished for the Restore Our Shores team. In the off-season, they diligently monitor all the recently constructed reefs to assess their progress and success. A comprehensive evaluation is conducted six months and one year after construction, providing valuable data on the reefs’ development and functionality. Excitingly, recent material and design changes have yielded positive results, with the team expecting to witness an abundance of baby oysters thriving on the reefs by next year.
Tyler Provoncha expresses particular pride in the construction of the first coquina reef. This innovative design features a corral shape, with a coquina perimeter enclosing loose shells in the middle instead of using steel gabions. This development holds great promise, as it eliminates the need for any manmade materials in the reefs, aligning seamlessly with the team’s commitment to creating sustainable and environmentally friendly projects. Furthermore, this project stands out as the largest single endeavor undertaken by the team in a considerable amount of time.
The anticipation for the next season, starting in March 2024, is already building. Tyler and the Restore Our Shores team extend their heartfelt gratitude towards the Save Our Indian River Lagoon Project Plan in partnership with Brevard County Natural Resources. Their support has been instrumental in funding all the oyster projects, allowing the team to make significant strides in preserving and restoring the Indian River Lagoon’s health.
The invaluable contribution of the gardening volunteers must not go unnoticed. These dedicated individuals have grown oysters off their docks throughout the year, demonstrating their unwavering commitment even in the face of adversity, such as heatwaves and algal blooms. Their efforts have undoubtedly played a vital role in the success of the oyster reef-building season.
Last but certainly not least, the Restore Our Shores team sincerely thanks the volunteers who participated in the arduous construction process. Despite encountering challenging weather conditions, including strong winds and wild waves, these passionate advocates braved the elements to ensure the success of each project. Their unwavering dedication is truly inspiring.
Suppose you find yourself intrigued by the remarkable work of the Restore Our Shores team and wish to contribute to this important cause. In that case, I encourage you to consider volunteering in future projects. By engaging with the community and actively participating in restoring our shores, you can make a lasting impact on the Indian River Lagoon’s well-being.
Remember, Brevard Zoo, the organization behind Restore Our Shores, receives no recurring government funding for its operating costs. Your generous support enables them to continue serving the community and carrying out their essential animal wellness, education, and conservation programs. Together, we can create a better and healthier environment for humans and wildlife.
To learn more about volunteering opportunities with Restore Our Shores, please visit https://restoreourshores.org/get-involved/volunteer-we-need-you/.
