Project Page

Oyster Restoration and Management - Phase I

Implementing Organization

Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MS DEQ)

Overview

DWH Project Funding

$11,780,000

Known Leveraged Funding

$7,300,000

Funding Organization

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)

Funding Program

NFWF Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund GEBF

Details

Project Category

Environmental

Project Actions

Habitat Restoration and Enhancement

Targeted Resources

Oysters/Reefs

Project Description

This project seeks to improve oyster populations and sustainability in coastal Mississippi by conducting several studies to better understand why oyster populations are not more resilient and how productivity can be improved. This project will provide managers with information needed to undertake future large-scale oyster restoration projects and improve the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of such efforts. The studies include an assessment of cultch-type, research into the effects of contaminated oyster shell on recruitment, and baseline water quality and benthic habitat assessments in the Mississippi Sound to identify preferred locations for future restoration. The project also includes a pilot nearshore a oyster gardeningaTM program to produce oysters for conservation purposes.

Contact

Camille Covington
228-396-0487
ccovington@cce.ms
Project Website
Project Partners

Mississippi Department of Marine Resources

Affiliated Institutions

None

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