Oyster Restoration on the Lafayette River

Oyster Restoration on the Lafayette River. Animals Beyond our Fences. , The Mighty Oyster , They're not the most entertaining animals at the Virginia Zoo, but the oysters on the Zoo shoreline and in reefs in the Lafayette River play a vital role in the environment., Importance of Reefs , Oysters provided food and jobs for generations, supporting the most valuable fishery in the Chesapeake Bay for more than 100 years. , Population Decline , The Chesapeake Bay's Oyster Population , Oysters were once so plentiful that large reefs protruded from the water, causing boats to navigate around them!, In 2010, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) partnered with the Virginia Zoo to collect recycled oyster shells from local restaurants and shucking houses. Volunteers constructed a new shoreline oyster reef., Did You Know? , One single oyster can purify 50 gallons of polluted water in just one day! They feed by filtering algae, which improves water quality., Help the Oysters!
The Zoo's participation in oyster restoration began with oyster floats near our shore. Maybe you could maintain an oyster float, or even host reef balls by your waterfront property! To learn more about oyster gardening and other ways to help, contact the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. 757-622-1964 . cbf.org/virginiaoysters, Restoration in Progress , In 2013, 125 reef balls were placed at five sites in the Lafayette River. These hollow cement balls serve as artificial homes for oysters. They promote the recovery of native oysters, which are vital to keeping the bay healthy., In 2015, the Elizabeth River Project, in cooperation with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, established a new oyster reef near the point of land on the East side of the Zoo. this was the biggest restoration project to date, adjacent to the Virginia Zoo., The Virginia Zoo's Conservation Youth Team helps CBF every summer by prepping and creating oyster baskets to be dropped in various locations of the Lafayette River.