Virginia Coastal Program: 2006 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary
Project Task:
10.21
Grantee:
Virginia Marine Resource Commission
Project Title:
Seaside Heritage Program – Oyster Reef Restoration
Project Description as Proposed:
Oyster reefs will be constructed in association with eelgrass restoration projects. Reef restoration and eelgrass planting efforts have been very encouraging for the past 5 years, especially, in the Cobb Island and South Bay areas of Northampton County. For FY 06, oyster reefs will be constructed in South Bay or Magothy Bay in Northampton County.
Small fringing reefs along small channels will be the focus for FY 06. The small fringing reefs tend to be located on bottom that is relatively soft compared to areas normally planted with shells. Conch shells are available from a shucking house in Oyster, Virginia. These shells are large and can be deployed on softer bottom than the smaller, dredged fossil shells that are used on Seaside. Small fringing reefs are generally 250 to 200’ in length, are intertidal, and follow the contours of the channel edges. Shell costs will be approximately $1.70 per bushel. At the completion of the project, 10 to 15 new fringing reefs will have been constructed. All reef building activity will occur between April and July 2007. Reefs will be monitored for spatset in the fall of 2007.
Federal Funding:
$60,000
Project Contact:
James A. Wesson, 757.247.2121; James.Wesson@mrc.virginia.gov
Project Status:
4/1/2006 - 9/30/2007
Final Product Received:
Project Summary Provided by Grantee:
Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Laura McKay, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4323 or email: Laura.McKay@deq.virginia.gov
A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov
