CHESAPEAKE BAY OYSTER RESTORATION
USA, Maryland
Biodiversity Improvements
6+ Tons of Carbon Sequestered in Shell
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≈230 Pounds of Nitrogen Reduction
per acre per year
*These are estimates based on a fully mature one acre reef which takes an average of 3 years to develop
The Blue Oyster Project
Living Reefs
This project takes a high value approach by adding Oyster reef utilizing engineered hard substrate pre-set with oyster larvae. This is a BMP approved by the Chesapeake Bay Program and surpasses other efforts in removing harmful nutrients plaguing the region in terms of scale and cost effectiveness.
Ensuring the Future
This project is committed to restoring the Eastern oyster as the keystone species of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. Less than 1% of the historical oyster population remains today.
Nature Positive
This restoration effort is dedicated to establishing long-term ecosystems. The carbon footprint generated in creating the hard substrate reef structure is entirely mitigated by the prolific growth of oysters within an average period of three years. Once this initial phase of growth concludes, we have a fully restored oyster reef, poised to continually enhance biodiversity, reduce nutrient levels, and sequester carbon within its shell structures.
Chesapeake Bay Blue Oyster Aquatic Bio-credit
High integrity, voluntary, net positive, additional, enforced, verified, lasting
Aquatic Biocredit Unit
Area =1 Acre
Active management = 20 Years
Site Control
Lease(s) are secured in an area(s) that precludes commercial harvesting
Site Selection
Sites are selected and targeted to maximize restoration impact
Measuring Success
Baseline data is documented for every site and performance metrics are measured over time
Site Management
A maintenance plan is provided for each site including monitoring, reporting, and enforcement practices
Credit Benefits
Biodiversity Gain
Carbon Sequestration
Nutrient Reduction
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Validation
Verified by Blue Oyster Environmental
Financial Assurances
A maintenance trust fund ensures ongoing monitoring and necessary corrective action such as reseeding throughout the project's lifespan
The Chesapeake Bay
The Chesapeake Bay is America's largest estuary and holds a mere fraction of its historical biodiversity. Spanning 6 states and holding more coastline than the entire west coast of the US, the Chesapeake watershed is a fundamental part of the health, wealth, and culture of over 18 million people.
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Why Oysters
"We simply cannot achieve our Bay restoration goals without the participation of the private sector and private sector investment in cost-effective environmental solutions. Natural blue infrastructure, like oysters, is central to our Bay restoration success." - Jordan Shockley, CEO, Blue Oyster Environmental
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Read about Marylands Hope for leveraging oysters to save this National Estuary published by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation
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01.
A single oyster filters up to 50 gallons of water a day
02.
Economic return up to $40,000 per acre per year excluding harvest
03.
Oyster reefs provide direct habitat for 300+ species
Jonathan H. Grabowski, Robert D. Brumbaugh, Robert F. Conrad, Andrew G. Keeler, James J. Opaluch, Charles H. Peterson, Michael F. Piehler, Sean P. Powers, Ashley R. Smyth, Economic Valuation of Ecosystem Services Provided by Oyster Reefs, BioScience, Volume 62, Issue 10, October 2012, Pages 900–909, https://doi.org/10.1525/bio.2012.62.10.10
Oyster seed
Oyster Nursery Cages
Oysters
Oyster seed
04.
Socioeconomic Benefits: aquaculture, fisheries, watermen
Samonte, G., Edwards, P., Royster, J., Ramenzoni, V., and Morlock, S. (2017) Socioeconomic Benefits of Habitat Restoration. NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-OHC-1, 66 p. Washington: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Available at: https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/15030
05.
Nitrogen, phosphorus, & carbon reductions
Cornwell, J., S. Bricker, A. Lacatell, M. Luckenbach, F. Marenghi, C. Moore, M. Parker, K. Paynter, J. Rose, L. Sanford, W.
Wolinski, O.N. Caretti, J. Reichert-Nguyen, & H.W. Slacum. 2023. Nitrogen and phosphorus reduction associated with
harvest of hatchery-produced oysters and reef restoration: Assimilation and enhanced denitrification: Panel
recommendations. Report submitted to the Chesapeake Bay Program Partnership Water Quality Goal Implementation
Team January 30, 2023.
Resources
Project Specific Documentation Coming Soon...
Learn More About The Chesapeake Bay Blue Oyster Project
