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Celebrate Earth Day with Oysters!

Support the Bay and the Baysox

Chesapeake Bay Area CFC 

3 Ways to Help Restore Our Oyster 

Momentum is building for the comeback of the Eastern oyster in the Chesapeake Bay. Thanks to the hands-on work of our many partners, good news was reported this winter that young oysters' survival rate is up and the number of spat in Maryland waters is at its highest level since 1997. Here are 3 ways Marylanders can support oyster restoration and continue generating good news: 

1. Eat at participating SRA restaurants who recycle shell. The more shell we recycle, the more oysters we can replant. Since January, ORP has collected enough shell to provide Bay homes for over 2 million new oysters.

2. Donate to ORP to support projects that improve oysters' survival chances. Last year, 375 watermen reclaimed over 1,000 acres of oyster habitat. This year, over 750 Maryland watermen will spend tireless hours during March-April reclaiming shell from buried oyster reefs. ORP, Maryland Watermen's Association, Maryland DNR (with support from Maryland Geological Survey), and NOAA are partnering together for the 2011 Oyster Bar Rehabilitation Program.     

3. Get involved in upcoming events and support oyster restoration. Sign up for the Earth Day 5k, volunteer, or become a sponsor of the ORP Shell Recycling Alliance.

As always, thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you on the Bay!

-- Stephan Abel, Executive Director, ORP

ORP joined an elite group of Maryland nonprofits by receiving the Maryland Nonprofits Seal of Excellence. One of only 80 nonprofit organizations in Maryland to earn this prestigious honor, ORP joins other organizations that have been certified through the voluntary, peer-reviewed certification program for nonprofit organizations that adhere to the Standards for Excellence code. ORP Executive Director Stephan Abel accepted the award at the Standards for Excellence Awards Ceremony, held March 2 at Maryland Nonprofits' 18th Annual Conference at the Loews Annapolis Hotel in Annapolis, MD.

The Seal of Excellence is a trusted symbol of integrity, leadership, and accountability. Completing this rigorous review of all aspects of operations shows ORP's commitment to its mission. Earning the Seal of Excellence has assisted ORP in building a solid foundation of best practices, strengthened our ability to engage and broaden our scope of membership, and reinforced our commitment to the standards that will strengthen our organization.

Clyde's of Gallery Place, Washington DC

Clyde's Tower Oaks Lodge, Rockville, MD

Founding Farmers, Washington DC

Hook, Washington DC

May's Restaurant, Frederick, MD

Real Seafood Company, Annapolis, MD

Tackle Box, Washington DC

The Mt. Washington Tavern, Baltimore, MD

Interested in being an SRA sponsor? We're currently looking for a 2011 ORP Shell Recycling Alliance sponsor. Learn more today!

Q: How can oysters help Bay grasses grow?

A: Oysters and Bay grasses are partners in keeping the Bay clean and healthy. Underwater grasses need sunlight to grow, so the water must be clear enough for sunlight to pass through. If there is too much algae, underwater grasses will not get enough sunlight to grow. When oysters eat the excess algae, this will help the Bay grasses survive and thrive. Over the past several years, stormwater runoff has polluted the Bay with nutrients and sediments that cloud the water and accelerate the growth of algae blooms - both of which keep sunlight from reaching the Bay grasses. Although the grasses are sensitive to extreme drought, overly wet conditions, and pollution, they respond quickly to water quality improvements. If they are kept healthy, they absorb excess nutrients, add oxygen to the water, and they can trap sediments which could harm bottom-dwelling species.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is responsible for ensuring the conservation and sustainable use of the oyster resource in Maryland's portion of the Chesapeake Bay region. The Agency oversees oyster restoration, management of the wild oyster fishery, and oyster aquaculture leasing and permitting activities.  Additional responsibilities include monitoring and assessment of oyster populations and factors influencing these populations, enforcement and licensing of commercial harvesters. We jointly participate in a host of initiatives including oyster bar rehabilitation programs, oyster planting projects, shell collection and Marylanders Grow Oysters program. Currently, together with Maryland watermen, the Maryland DNR and ORP are working to reclaim buried shell on 23 oyster bars in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. One key limiting factor for native oyster population recovery is the amount of suitable bottom habitat on which oyster larvae can settle. Approximately 80% of oyster habitat has been lost during the past 25 years, hence the bar rehabilitation project plays a critical role in the recovery of our once-productive oyster habitat.