Delaware Bay Oyster Shell Deficit Reduction Via Post Consumer - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Delaware Bay Oyster Shell Deficit Reduction Via Post Consumer Recycling Program

Delaware Bay Oyster Shell Deficit Reduction Via Post Consumer Recycling Program Jeff Long, Watershed Outreach Specialist January 24 th , 2017 2

What we will talk about? My happy place 3

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Deficits and Solutions Issue: There is not enough oyster shell returned to the Delaware Bay. The availability of shell is a major constraint on oyster population health and restoration efforts, where shell is a critical component of project design/construction. Goal: Develop a recycling program addressing shell shortages in the Bay and to build greater awareness of local shellfish as a key resource. Environmental Benefits: ∙ improve water quality via the oyster’s filtration (10‐50 gal water/day/adult) ∙ reduce erosion particularly in low energy areas by using shells in living shorelines ∙ create habitat for marine species in oyster beds ∙ reduce Bay acidification with PH buffering action of oyster shell ∙ sustain oyster population‐a major fishery in the Delaware Bay 5

“Shells are the currency for oyster success.” -Jim Wesson, Virginia Marine Resources Commission 6

How is it accomplished? straight ard ess that 5, not 12. ates on a Somebody dshake. remember this!

1. Slurp: Outreach Hits and Misses o joined, and who didn’t…

2. Collect: Getting Set Up Intern Truck Lift 9

2. Collect: Getting a Handle on Volume 10

2. Collect: Routes-High and Low It’s about the volume, baby 11

3. Prep and SMA • Internal Requirements • Who we Approached • Area • Curing Time Credit: Shaun Bailey 12

For us right now, Goldilocks! 3: How Much? 2 Bushels to Bags to Linear Feet Fifty tons 13

4. Reuse: Bagging Into something like this….. 14

5. Ultimately, Benefit! Utilization in Living Shorelines: Promote higher abundance and diversity of organisms Keep pace with sea level rise Filter pollutants from the water Allow for natural soil/sand movement Maintain critical spawning habitat 15

Let’s Collaborate Jeff Long Watershed Outreach Specialist (302) 655-990, x106 │ DelawareEstuary.org Connecting people, science, and nature for a healthy Delaware River and Bay 16