Crews from NY/NJ Baykeeper and Rutgers are placing artificial reefs in the Raritan Bay, part of an experimental project to replenish the oyster population there. If it works, it will be tried elsewhere, according to this report from NJN’s Ed Rodgers.
In the project, oyster larvae are placed on mesh bags and attached to the metal reef structures placed in the water, or to reef balls, another type of artificial reef. The structures support the oysters and provide a habitat for other marine life.
Oyster depopulation here is thought to be caused by overharvesting, pollution and development; more oysters mean more natural filtration for the waterway.
Check out the full report from NJN.