Tangier and Pocomoke Sound Oyster Repletion Project
- The Corps constructed eight acres of three-dimensional (3-D) mounded reefs and 150 acres of two-dimensional (2-D) flats in 2003. The project was designed by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC).
- The reefs and flats were all constructed out of “fossil” oyster shells.
- The 3-D reefs were set aside as sanctuaries. Sanctuaries are areas where fishing for oysters is not allowed.
- The 2-D flats are open for commercial fishing of oysters.
- This Corps project was designed under the direction of VMRC primarily to increase the commercial harvest of oysters.
- This type of project is called a “repletion” project by state fishery managers in Virginia and Maryland, and is basically a continuation of outdated commercial oyster fishery management methods.
- Repletion projects are different from restoration projects. A restoration project is built primarily for environmental benefits, such as water filtration. A repletion project is built primarily in an attempt to increase the commercial harvest of oysters.
- As the first project modification, the Corps planted approximately 30 million spat on shell on six acres of the 3-D mounds in an attempt to increase the numbers of oysters and oyster reproduction in the local area.
Map of Tangier and Pocomoke Sound - Click to enlarge