The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently announced a $10 million grant for oyster sanctuary reef construction in Maryland. The grant, administered to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), will fund the building of new reef bases on about 50 to 75 acres within existing oyster sanctuaries. DNR will present target areas for additional oyster restoration at the August 19 meeting of the Maryland Oyster Advisory Commission.
The 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement outlined a goal to fully restore oyster habitat in 10 tributaries—five being in Maryland—by 2025. These large-scale restoration efforts have been extremely successful; over 1,000 acres of oyster reefs have been restored in Maryland. These reefs filter water quality and provide essential habitat for dozens of other species like blue crab and striped bass.
In its 2024 Hope on the Half Shell report, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) recommended building off this success and targeting oyster restoration in 20 additional Bay rivers. This latest investment from NOAA is a critical catalyst in the next phase of oyster restoration in Chesapeake Bay.
Allison Colden, CBF Maryland Executive Director said in a statement:
“This grant is a major step forward for oyster restoration and a strong continuation of Maryland’s success in adding more oysters to the Chesapeake Bay. Oysters are the bedrock of our ecosystem and will be key to adapting to climate change, building resilient shorelines, improving water quality, and supporting local economies.
“Historic overharvesting, disease, pollution, and habitat loss have left this keystone species vulnerable and populations in dire need of support. Fortunately, the Bay Agreement’s current model of targeting and fully restoring tributaries for oysters has been wildly successful.
“Large-scale oyster restoration has been made possible through strong federal investment, state support, and the collaboration of many partners. As this major oyster restoration phase nears completion, sustained federal funding will remain crucial as we look towards restoring additional tributaries beyond 2025. We are encouraged by NOAA and DNR’s continued commitment to oyster restoration and look forward to the transformational benefits this funding will bring to the Bay for oysters and the many species that depend on them.”
