Oyster Creek Site

The enhancement site is located in Oyster Creek which is the Chatham County Recreational Shellfish Harvest Area near Highway 80. The goal was to enhance 0.123 acres of habitat suitable for larval oyster settlement along multiple shoreline areas.

Strategy

Enhance the Harvest Area shorelines by deploying two types of artificial cultch to encourage reef formation: 1) 3,750 recycled oyster shell bags placed on top of 250 wooden pallets transported by the GADNR Aviation Unit with two helicopters; and 2) 248 oak limb bundles deployed from boats by volunteers and GADNR staff. The operation helped familiarize GADNR staff with helicopter operations, thus preparing them to assist the Aviation Unit in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency.

Results

Site monitoring was conducted for two years following the restoration. The reef is currently stable and thriving - improving habitat and supporting larvae and juvenile recreational fishing species.