Piankatank crushed concrete. Photo ©Jim Wesson. Virginia Marine Resources Commission

Andy Lacatell, Conservation Specialist The Nature Conservancy

Background / Building on History Since 1850s – Today Shellfish habitat globally and oysters in particularly have seen an 85% decline in acreage as well as in biomass. In the Chesapeake Bay, until recently, oyster stocks were at about 1% of historic levels. 1995-2007 Oyster Reef Restoration In the Piankatank, TNC, VMRC, NOAA and CBF have been working together for many years, having constructed 4 reefs covering about 7 acres. 2007 The Blue Ribbon Oyster Panel recommended at least $2.5 million in annual funding for ecological and economic oyster restoration efforts. 2009 Executive Order 13508 and Native Oyster Restoration Master Plan The EO called for the restoration of 20 tributaries by 2025. The new Chesapeake Bay Agreement as drafted has a goal of 10 tributaries (5 in MD/5 in VA). The Piankatank River designated a Tier I Restoration Site in the Native Oyster Restoration Master Plan for the Chesapeake Bay. Funding of $5 million per year allocated between MD and VA.

TIER 1 MAP

Building on History 2008-2013 Oyster Harvests on the Rise Record harvests of oysters on public and private grounds. 2011 TNC and CBF restarted the Interagency Oyster Restoration Team and better coordination among all oyster groups. Purpose of meeting to find common ground on management philosophies. 2011-2012 Fisheries Monitoring Two years of fisheries monitoring around existing reefs (VCU). 2012 $2,000,000 appropriated for oyster replenishment and not the creation of new reefs. 2013 TNC raises $500,000 to meet cost-share (25%) of overall project. 75% of overall project paid by US Army Corps of Engineers.

Oyster Harvest Graph

Location

Piankatank River - <SHOW GRAPHIC> Dragon Run - <SHOW GRAPHIC>

VIMS RECRUITMENT

It’s a Trap…Estuary

NOMINAL RESTORATION SITES FROM NOAA

NOAA SURVEY

Goals Restore functional oyster reefs within sanctuaries

Conserve, protect, monitor, and adaptively manage functional

oyster reefs within sanctuaries that provide essential ecosystem services.

Long-term Restore up to 300 acres of ecologically functional oyster reefs in the Piankatank River. Short-term Build up to 75 acres of new reef on 3-4 sites in the Piankatank Natural Benefits - More oysters - More habitat for fish - increased finfish and shellfish production - More filtration and local water quality benefits - nitrogen reduction - Shoreline protection - wave energy dissipation - Increased biological diversity

Sanctuary Reef Design TNC-VMRC Site 9,000 tons of crushed concrete placed to create the 21-acre reef (2014) Substrate put down between 3’ and 15’ depth. Reduces completely the need to use scarce shell resources. Industry (watermen) contracted to place the shell. TNC hoping to identify funding for additional substrate (Oyster castles, reef balls or fossil shell) to create additional complexity and height to the reef. US Army Corps Sites 2015 - alternate substrate

Timeline August 2013 Secure oyster lease termination October 2013 Begin baseline fisheries study (NOAA funded going forward – 3 yr $181,000 study) May - July 2014 Reef construction (TNC-VMRC) May – July 2015 Reef construction (TNC, VMRC & US Army Corps)

Layers of Partnership

Survey of Bottom Condition and Tributary Planning

Funding and Project Guidance

Matching funds and Project Management

Direct Funding of Sanctuary Reef Construction

http://www.chesapeakebay.net/images/field_guide/Eastern_Oyster_page_image.jpg

Funding

TNC/Mary Morton Parsons $ 500,000 Oyster Reef Construction (2014) VMRC Matching Funds $ 441,000 Oyster Reef Replenishment (2014-2015) Corps of Engineers $ 2,823,000 Oyster Reef Construction (2015) Total $ 3,764,000