![]() Non-point source pollution is a type of water pollution that comes from a variety of diffuse sources. Using Artificial Reefs to Control Water Quality The effectiveness of artificial reefs depends on a variety of different factors: temperature, oyster growth and oyster survival, as well as shell heights and widths. ![]() These methods include the bag method, bag/pallets, crab traps and living shorelines. Coordinated by UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, volunteers prepare the shells for construction using a variety of methods. The shells are first collected from restaurants and private oyster roasts and taken to a collection center. Data from GIS and handheld GPS also helps researchers monitor water quality, assess the geography of shorelines and plan management strategies for the future of coastal resources.Īrtificial oyster reefs reduce shoreline erosion, filter out contaminants and improve water quality.Īs part of the G.E.O.R.G.I.A (Generating Enhanced Oyster Reefs in Georgia’s Inshore Areas) program, community-based restoration projects have created new reefs and raised public awareness. These results assist restoration projects by providing baseline data about habitat conditions and distributions at each location. Through geographic information systems (GIS), researchers can survey the distribution of oyster reefs along the Georgia coastline and establish the optimum sites to create newly restored oyster habitat. Oyster mapping determines the location and acreage of live oyster reefs and works to aid in conservation and resource management of reefs along the coast. However, oyster reef restoration initiatives by the UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant have successfully improved water quality and marine health in designated areas. Since the decline, there have been changes in the total area and decreases in total acreage of reefs, which is due to a variety of factors. However, their importance has declined since the 1930s because of overharvesting, and the industry serves only as a supplemental fishery resource today. In 1908, Georgia led the nation in oyster harvesting, primarily for the oyster canning industry. In Georgia, Eastern Oysters were once in abundance and heavily fished along the coastal estuaries during the late 1800s and the early 1900s. Lawrence, Canada to the Yucatan Peninsula and the West Indies. The Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) is native to the eastern coast of America from St. Oyster reefs also are popular sites for recreational fishing for spotted sea trout, red drum and black drum. ![]() They provide essential fish habitat and shelter for a number of other living organisms, filter pollutants from water and are fished both recreationally and commercially. Oysters are vital for both the health of aquatic ecosystems and development of coastal communities. UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant are leading oyster reef restoration initiatives to help revive the state’s oyster industry. ![]() Home | Outreach | Programs | Oyster Reefs in Georgia Oyster Reefs in Georgia ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |