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| 16 August 2008
Bags of shell produced for the Florida Oceanographic Society's (FOS) experimental oyster seeding project. Volunteers representing the many agencies and St. Lucie County helped fill these bags.
Giving Back: Volunteer to restore oyster reefs in Indian River Lagoon. It's good for fishing!
Jim Oppenborn, Marine Resource Coordinator for St. Lucie County, has a vision of restored oyster reefs around the spoil islands of Indian River Lagoon. But his dream will require muscle to accomplish, and he's recruiting now to prepare for the big push.
"We are hoping that the permit to begin work restoring oyster reefs on spoil island SL 18B in St. Lucie County will be issued by the end of September, " said Jim. "If this happens we need to have as many oyster shells bagged as possible." Plans are for two experimental oyster reefs to be located on SL 18B.
Oyster reefs create habitat for many inshore gamefish, and juvenile fishes that frequent our offshore reefs. They also filter water and improve water quality. Oyster reefs also provide habitat for a diverse number of other fish and invertebrates.
“We hope to apply for additional permits to restore oyster reefs at another spoil island near the Indian River County line and in Wildcat Cove (Pepper Park) in St. Lucie County next year,” said Jim
“We look forward to working with the Snook Foundation in restoring/protecting St. Lucie County's inshore habitats, " said Jim.
Volunteers who would like to participate in bagging/deploying more shell, please contact Jim Oppenborn, St. Lucie County Marine Resource Coordinator, Fort Pierce, FL (772)462.1713 (ofc) or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Permit drawing for the current project on spoil island SL 18B in St. Lucie County. Plans are for two experimental oyster reefs to be located on SL 18B.
