Jointer Creek Oyster Reef Enhancement Project

The site is located in a Public Recreational Shellfish Harvest Area adjacent to Jointer Creek near the intersection of Highway 17 and the Jekyll Island Causeway. The goal is to enhance 0.42 acres of habitat suitable for larval oyster settlement along four shoreline areas. It is hoped that the area between the oyster reefs and the marsh will fill in with sediment and marsh grass.

Strategy

A novel approach was used to transport 3,000 bags of recycled oyster shells, 200 wooden pallets, and 200 oyster gabions directly to the site using two GADNR Aviation Unit helicopters. Traditional boat-based deployment would have taken 2,800 man hours and more than a month to transport and stage the materials. By using the helicopters the time was reduced to three days and 400 man hours.

This operation helped familiarize DNR staff with helicopter operations and prepared them to assist the Aviation Unit in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency.

Results

Monitoring has been conducted since the initial deployment. The reef is currently stable and thriving, improving habitat and supporting larvae and many juvenile recreational fishing species.