Have you ever stood next to the Great Wicomico and wondered what it would be like to be able to see more than a couple inches into the water?  Are you looking for an inexpensive and physically unchallenging way to contribute to Bay cleanup?  For around $150 (lots less, if you're handy with tools), you can help clean up our portion of the river and the Chesapeake in general by becoming an oyster farmer.

Mallard Bay resident Patrick Murphy has done extensive research into participation in the Oyster Restoration Project for the Bay run by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF).  The project entails buying small seed oysters from CBF, placing them in a "Taylor Float" which is basically a mesh bag hanging down into the river from a 4x2' or 8x2' float.  Over the course of the next year, the oyster farmer checks the mesh bag every 2 to 3 weeks during the active growing period of April through September.  This involves shaking the bag to loosen any oysters attaching to the mesh, rinsing off excess algae, and removing any crabs or other predators.  In the dormant periods from October through March, maintenance amounts to just tugging on the rope every month or so to make sure the float is secure.

At the end of the year, the farmer would return the more mature oysters to the CBF to be planted on designated reefs.  During the course of feeding, oysters will actually filter the water and reduce pollution in our section of the Great Wicomico.

These oysters would NOT be intended for human consumption.  The CBF states:

“Most of the oysters grown by our gardeners are in areas that are closed to shellfish harvesting. The pollution issue is fecal coliform bacteria that make the shellfish unsafe for human consumption. This really doesn’t impact the oysters’ growing ability.  Our program is strictly for restoration and participation requires that your oysters be returned to us after the growing year to be placed on sanctuary reefs.”

The Mallard Bay Board has given this idea its enthusiastic support.  Participants with private docks could keep the oysters there.  For those without private docks, the Mallard Bay dock could be used, after coordination with Dockmaster Dolf Wais.

Learning How

The CBF asks that that new Oyster Gardeners attend one of their New Gardener Seminars before gardening their first year.  The seminar will help you learn how to maintain your oyster garden throughout the coming year.  After the seminar you will receive 1,000 native baby oysters (per float) and you’ll be off and running.   

An information packet is available from CBF, by contacting their Hampton Roads Office at 757-622-1964 or at [email protected]. This packet includes general information about the Citizen Oyster Gardening program, the need for oyster restoration, the materials required, and a required State Registration form.

Equipment

The gardener is responsible for purchasing the “Taylor Floats” which cost around $125 ready made and are available from a number of local sources.  Alternatively, you may purchase the parts and build them yourself for much less.

Links

http://www.wvec.com/news/vabeach/stories/wvec_local_011808_oyster_gardening.342f7936.html

http://www.cbf.org/site/PageServer?pagename=state_sub_va_hamptonroads_oysterrestoration

http://www.cbf.org/site/PageServer?pagename=state_sub_va_hamptonroads_oysterrestoration_start  

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Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia's Oyster Gardening Program

Oyster Farmer Suppliers

For further information, please contact:

Mr. Patrick Murphy

637 Mallard Bay Drive

[email protected]

Mr. Tommy Leggett

Chesapeake Bay Foundation

Virginia Oyster Restoration and Fisheries Scientist

P. O. Box 412 Wicomico VA 23184

Office and Fax 804-642-6639

Mobile 804-815-7982

Ms. Charlene Ihrig

Hampton Roads Office

Chesapeake Bay Foundation

757/622-1964

757/622-7861 fax

[email protected]

                                    This page was last updated:  Saturday, September 19, 2009