The Chesapeake Bay Program has announced they’re on track to exceed their goal of fully restoring the oyster habitats to 10 tributaries across Maryland and Virginia before the end of the year.
Officials are gearing up to plant the final few acres of oyster reef in the Manokin River on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Over 2,200 acres of habitat will have been restored by the project’s completion, it’s considered the largest oyster restoration initiative in the world.
Several tributaries have already been fully restored in Maryland include Harris Creek, the Little Choptank, Tred Avon and St. Mary’s rivers. In Virginia the Lafayette, Piankatank, Great Wicomico, Lynnhaven, Lower York and Eastern Branch of the Elizabeth rivers — which brings the total number to 11 rivers restored, exceeding the initial goal of 10…