Gulf Coast Oyster Revival: In Mobile, Alabama, a Gulf Coast environmental group shared exciting news on Thursdayit is set to receive support from a portion of a $5 million grant from NOAA.
The Alabama Oyster Shell Recycling program operates under the umbrella of the Alabama Coastal Foundation. This initiative focuses on returning used oyster shells to the Gulf of Mexico, providing a valuable resource for free-swimming oysters.
Now in its seventh year, the program has successfully collected over 22 million shells from participating restaurants along the Gulf Coast. Chandra Wright, a member of the Oyster Shell Advisory Council, explained that the program was born out of a recognition of the challenges faced by natural oyster reefs over the years, including damage from storms and sediment burying them.
Wright emphasized the need to collect shells from restaurants, recycle them, and reintroduce them into oyster reef projects to support the restoration of these vital ecosystems.
The Alabama Coastal Foundation plans to use the grant funding to expand its recycling program, further contributing to the nurturing of the Gulf Coast’s oyster population.
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Our Reader’s Queries
What all is being done to restore the coastline and growth of oysters?
The NOAA has improved shoreline stability by constructing a linear reef to safeguard marine life and oyster beds. Oyster reefs can also be restored through investment in hatchery facilities.
What is the problem with oyster in the Gulf Coast?
A seasoned oyster farmer from the fourth generation mentioned several issues that have impacted Gulf of Mexico oysters in the past few years, such as hurricanes, droughts, higher temperatures, and pollution. According to a report from TPWD in 2013, Hurricane Ike wiped out over 6,000 acres of oyster reefs in Galveston in 2008.
Why does California regulate Gulf oysters?
Annually, Californians suffer severe illness and fatalities from eating raw oysters collected from Gulf of Mexico adjacent states (Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas). These oysters are tainted with the dangerous Vibrio vulnificus (V. vulnificus) pathogen.
Is it safe to eat oysters from the Gulf of Mexico?
Most Gulf Oysters are currently bred to be sterile, which prevents the natural reproduction of oysters, especially during warmer months when the risk of Vibrio spreading is highest. This proactive measure effectively hinders the reproduction of Vibrio as well. Our admiration goes out to oyster farmers for their dedication to protecting the public from potential health risks.