The Incredible Oyster Reef

Most of us who love the Chesapeake Bay know that oysters once existed in storied numbers in an earlier time, long before poor water quality, disease, and harvesting nearly put an end to them. This film explores oysters as a keystone species with a remarkable, and it seems, indispensable ability to heal the Bay’s troubled waters.

 

More About Oysters

  • Eastern Oysters

    The iconic Chesapeake Bay mollusk plays an important role in the Bay ecosystem, as well as the local seafood industry.

News

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Podcasts & Videos

  • Hope on the Half Shell Oyster Report - Press Call

    The Chesapeake Bay Foundation released a report on February 15, 2024, entitled “Hope on the Half Shell: Harnessing Oysters to Build Ecological and Community Resilience.” Several experts participated in the press call to explain the report and what it means for our Bay and communities.

  • All About Oyster Gardening

    Find out all about oyster gardening along the Chesapeake Bay! CBF oyster gardeners raise baby oysters in wire cages hung off waterfront docks and care for them for a year until they can be planted on sanctuary reefs.

  • Who Lives on an Oyster Reef?

    Oyster reefs create vital habitat for more than 300 species of Chesapeake Bay critters. Meet 10 of our favorites in this animated video.

  • How Do CBF's Oyster Restoration Barges Work?

    This one-of-a-kind mobile oyster nursery allows the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to restore the Bay’s oyster population more efficiently than ever.

  • Oyster Restoration Success in the City

    Norfolk’s Lafayette River was once polluted, but thanks to work by CBF, the Elizabeth River Project, and other partners, the river is now better known for successful oyster restoration.

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The Bay Needs You

The State of the Bay Report makes it clear that the Bay needs our support now more than ever. Your donation helps the Chesapeake Bay Foundation maintain our momentum toward a restored Bay, rivers, and streams for today and generations to come.

Donate Today

Volunteer

Do you enjoy working with others to help clean the Chesapeake Bay? Do you have a few hours to spare? Whether growing oysters, planting trees, or advocating for a clean Bay, there are plenty of ways you can contribute.

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