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Corps continues Lynnhaven oyster restoration efforts

October 30, 2008
By Brittany Brown
Norfolk District Public Affairs

Building on the 30 plus acres of reefs constructed in 2007, the Norfolk District has begun construction of an additional 22 acres of new sanctuary oyster reefs in Broad Bay and Linkhorn Bay. In September, a task order was awarded to Langenfelder Marine with construction of the reefs expected to be completed by the end of the year.

In the past 100 years, the population of the native Virginia oyster (c. Virginica) has fallen dramatically, due to over-harvesting, disease and poor water quality. The Lynnhaven River is considered a prime spot for oyster restoration because it is a trap estuary with high salinity, had historically high populations of native oysters and has considerably higher oyster recruitment today than many other sites in the Chesapeake Bay. The project combines the latest techniques in restoration science with information gathered more than 100 years ago – Corps scientists used such tools as hydrodynamic modeling and maps and historical records of productive oyster grounds to determine the best sites for reef construction.

The Corps mission is ecosystem restoration. A successful project will enhance commercial oyster production on areas, public or private, that could be fished. While Corps constructed reefs will become sanctuaries where no oyster harvesting will be permitted, other types of activities, such as crabbing and fishing, will be allowed on the reefs. Locations and heights of the constructed reefs are not expected to interfere with navigation in the Lynnhaven River.

For more information on the Corps' oyster restoration efforts, visit www.nao.usace.army.mil/oysters.