Who cares about oysters? Most only know them as a delicious delicacy on the half-shell or as a razor-sharp nuisance when wading through the sound. Oysters, however, have many important roles when it comes to keeping our estuaries clean. Oysters are filter feeders, meaning they filter out sediment, nutrients and plankton from the water in our estuaries, thereby improving water quality. One adult oyster can filter between 25-50 gallons of water per day – just think what a few million can do! Oyster reefs also provide critical habitat for a diverse collection of aquatic animals, including many important commercial and recreational fish species. One healthy oyster reef can be home to over 300 different organisms, such as adult and juvenile fishes, shrimp, clams, and crabs. If oysters are thriving, it is likely and other shellfish and finfish that spend a part of their lifecycle in the estuary are also doing well.

From Roasts to Reefs

For several years now, the North Carolina Coastal Federation has tried to tackle the state’s declining oyster population by rebuilding its oyster reefs ... one bag of old shells at a time. On a recent afternoon at their center on Bogue Sound, the Federation got some help in that task from a class of high school biology students. WHQR’s Megan Williams dropped in on the "oyster bagging" and brought back this audio postcard.

     NCCF strives to include students in all facets of its oyster reef restoration efforts. We look for help with oyster shell bagging, placing shell for new reefs, and pre- and post-monitoring of newly restored areas. High school students from Onslow, Carteret, and New Hanover counties have already volunteered their time to help work on restoration sites at Williston Creek, Hoop Pole Creek, Airlie Gardens, and Stump Sound. NCCF is currently working on a program to involve high schools year-round through education in the classroom and field trips to local oyster facilities.
     If you are interested in learning more about NCCF's educational opportunities for students, please contact Sarah Phillips at sarahp@nccoast.org.

Oyster Monitoring Opportunities

     During the upcoming 2006-2007 school year, this site will be updated with more pictures and schools involved. Last year, three high schools from North Carolina were involved in oyster monitoring opportunities and projects. The below links include some pictures and basic school information:

• Croatan High School: Newport
• Cape Lookout Marine Science High School: Morehead City
• Dixon High School: Holly Ridge