Tampa Bay Watch is recruiting volunteers to install oyster domes off the shoreline of Fantasy Island on October 26 & 27. This is a very heavy project since oyster domes weigh over 150 pounds each. Installation will involve unloading the domes from a trailer to a barge. A crane will unload the domes from the barge to be placed on the shoreline, but help will be needed to move the domes in the water.The meeting location is Williams Park Boat Ramp, 8749 U.S. 41, Riverview, FL 33578. Interested volunteers should register online at tampabaywatch.org or contact Rachel Arndt at rarndt@tampabaywatch.org or (727) 867-8166 x233.
Fantasy Island has severely eroded since it was created in the 1970s due to changes in currents and sand distribution, mainly since it is close to the heavily used shipping channel. Creation of a series of oyster dome fields and shell bars is an effort to restore lost habitat systems to the bay, prevent further erosion of Fantasy Island, and improve water quality through natural biological filtration. This project is in partnership with the Florida Aquarium, Port Tampa Bay, the Tampa Bay Environmental Restoration Fund, CCA’s Building Conservation Trust, the Frank E. Duckwall Foundation and CCA Florida, and the Mosaic Company Foundation.
The Fantasy Island project has three components, the first of which involves installing an oyster shell bar by shoveling fossilized shell into mesh bags, and then transporting and installing the shell bags to create a series of oyster reefs. The second component of this project is the installation of a series of oyster domes along the shoreline to further buffer it from the severe erosion that is occurring. Lastly, native species of grasses will be planted along the shoreline of the island to complement the installed oyster domes and shell bar.
This comprehensive ecosystem restoration plan will slow erosion and provide invaluable habitat and food source for wildlife.The goal of Tampa Bay Watch’s Community Oyster Reef Enhancement (CORE) program is to increase the oyster population in Tampa Bay and at the same time, provide habitats for small organisms, prevent erosion, improve water quality and promote fish and wildlife habitats. In addition, this project benefits the Tampa Bay community by promoting environmental awareness and offering hands-on experience in habitat restoration.
For more information about the project, visit our website at tampabaywatch.org.