PROJECT STATUS (as of 2024): Design

PROJECT SCOPE
The Great Wicomico River Oyster Recovery Project was the second reef project that the Norfolk District completed under the 704(b) authority in 2004. The original project was the construction of an 85-acre sanctuary reef network throughout the Great Wicomico river using dredged fossil shell placed at different heights (low and high relief reefs. The Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) was the non-federal sponsor for the project contributing to the effort through the continued replenishment of existing reefs and fossil shell credits. Langenfelder Marine was the contractor for the original reef network. After years of monitoring and restoration techniques advancing, the Norfolk District decided to return to some of the original low relief reefs and perform adaptive management. This effort was completed in 2015 by Corman Marine Construction, raising 35 acres from low relief to high relief through the addition of shell material. Monitoring efforts continued by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) and Christopher Newport University (CNU), and the latest report from 2022 is posted on this site. One final effort in the Great Wicomico River has been planned for 2025 to include the addition of habitat stones throughout portions of existing reefs using R4 stone to add 3-D habitat and expand the footprint of an existing reef. Construction is estimated to begin early 2025.

AUTHORIZATION
704B of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986

CONSTRUCTION COST
Authorization requires a cost share of 75% federal and 25% non-federal for Chesapeake Bay Oyster projects.

Construction Contract for 85 acres (high/low relief shell) = $2,737,500 Langenfelder Marine

Construction Contract for 35 acres (high relief shell) = $2,097,500 Corman Marine

Construction Contract for rehabilitation (R4 stone) = TBD