The Benefits of Shellfish Restoration
A juvenile diamondback terrapin taking shelter in an oyster reef!
CCE Marine Staff seeding clams in a sanctuary site.
Ribbed mussels help stabilize vegetation in salt marshes.
CCE Marine raises awareness about water quality issues and the importance of shellfish in coastal ecosystems, by engaging with the public.
CCE Marine Program produces shellfish for restoration efforts!
Let’s take a look at why the CCE Marine Program produces shellfish and the many benefits of shellfish restoration!
Habitat Creation: Oyster reefs create important habitat for hundreds of other marine species! Species like mussels, barnacles, and sea anemones settle on them and create an abundant food source. They also provide a safe nursery habitat for different species of juvenile fish. The structure that oyster reefs create provide protection for fish and crabs to hide from predators.
Water Quality: Since shellfish feed by filtering algae from the water, they function as a natural filter and can improve the water quality by removing excess nutrients from the water! Improved water clarity and quality creates a better habitat for growth of sea grasses, such as eelgrass, as well as many other species!
Restoring Natural Populations: By placing shellfish in sanctuary sites, they will continue to grow and spawn and naturally repopulate our local waters!
Shoreline Protection: Shellfish, such as mussels and oysters, can protect underwater vegetation and coastal communities from waves, floods, and tides. Well-established vegetation helps stabilize the shoreline and provide additional protection against wave action. Healthy reefs and established vegetation protect habitats and prevent erosion.
Education: An important benefit of shellfish restoration is raising awareness about water quality issues and the importance of shellfish in coastal ecosystems. Raising public awareness and getting the public involved, is a critical step towards improving habitats, water quality, and natural populations.
Shellfish are filter feeders and can improve the water quality by removing excess nutrients from the water! Check out this time-lapse of an oyster filtering algae out of the water!