Oyster Shell Bags

A Habitat Base

The oyster shell bag program creates oyster reefs similar to natural oyster communities found along shoreline areas throughout Tampa Bay. These bags give us the flexibility to create different shapes and sizes of oyster reefs in a variety of settings. Weighing in at about 35 lbs. each, the shell bags are installed in areas with lower wave energy but good tidal flow. Featuring abundant nooks and crannies, oyster larva will attach all over and inside of the bags, creating a productive and enhanced habitat.

Group of volunteers and members on a beach working together to build a living shoreline with recycle shell bags in Tampa Bay Florida

How does it work?

Tampa Bay Watch works with local municipalities, government agencies, and other environmental organizations to identify priority restoration sites around Tampa Bay. Once a site has been identified, Tampa Bay Watch designs the best project for the location, secures the necessary local, state, and federal permits, and coordinates and implements the hands-on community-based habitat restoration projects.

Large stacks of oyster shell bags for a volunteer project to protect shorelines around Tampa bay Florida

Living Shoreline with positive impact on marine life, shoreline erosion, and oyster habitat growth in Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, Florida

Why Mesh?

Tampa Bay Watch is making efforts to move away from the traditional plastic mesh that has been used in oyster restoration efforts conducted by various organizations and agencies across the country. There has been a movement within the restoration community to develop plastic-free alternatives that maintain the same effectiveness and durability.

Tampa Bay Watch has made a commitment to begin using a mesh made of biodegradable material for use in our oyster shell restoration efforts. This material is intended to break down over time as the oyster reef becomes self-sustaining.

The purpose of the mesh, whether traditional or biodegradable, is to hold recycled or fossilized shell in place, providing a stable substrate where oyster larvae can attach and grow.

Oyster restoration provides many benefits to the Tampa Bay estuary including improving water quality through natural filtration, creating habitat and foraging area for various species of fish and wildlife, and helping to reduce erosion and stabilize shorelines.

Over the last three years, Tampa Bay Watch has helped build more than 26,000 square feet of oyster habitat, helping Tampa Bay move closer to the goal of adding 50 acres of oyster reef by 2030.

Ways to give back and volunteer in Florida, Using recycled oyster shells for conservation efforts

What To Expect on a Shell Bag Project Day

Dried recycled oyster shells ready to be used in volunteer projects for Tampa Bay Watch

Deliver shell material to staging area.

A large mascot dressed as a blue furry creature with a long beard, sporting sunglasses, a white shirt, blue gloves, and yellow shoes, standing on a mound of shell fragments during an outdoor event surrounded by people and trees.

Project brief with volunteers, including instructions and a safety briefing.

Volunteers working together to create fossilized shell bags for Living Shoreline restoration efforts in Tamps Bay Florida

Work begins! Shovel material into aquaculture grade mesh bags & transport to work site.

Hands on volunteer opportunities in Florida, build living shorelines to help coastal erosion control

Install bags at project site to create a new oyster reef.

Oyster habitat growth at Tampa Bay Watch in St. Peterburg FL

Walk away with a deeper appreciation for the environment and pride for contributing to its preservation!

OYSTER SHELL BAG SPONSORS

Questions?

Contact Richard Radigan, Oyster Shell Program Manager: rradigan@tampabaywatch.org