On March 20 & 21, Tampa Bay Watch worked with 80 volunteers who shoveled an impressive 26 tons of fossilized shell in two days to create a record-setting 308 foot shell bar to restore the northern shoreline of McKay Bay.Tampa Bay Watch would like to thank their dedicated community volunteers and a group of employees from Mosaic Company for their assistance with the project and sponsorship to make the project possible. They could not accomplish these great restoration projects without the community’s help and support!For more information about the project or to sign up to volunteer, visit our website at www.tampabaywatch.org.
The project involved shoveling fossilized shell into mesh bags, and then transporting and installing the shell bags to create a series of oyster reefs. The goal of the project is to help provide hard bottom habitats for fish and wildlife resources, promote water quality improvements in McKay Bay and reestablish oyster communities.
McKay Bay is an ecologically important estuary located in the heart of a heavily industrialized area in the City of Tampa that has suffered from many years of impacts from dredge and fill construction, urban and industrial runoff and dredged material disposal. McKay Bay provides habitat to over 200 bird species and historically supported healthy fisheries. The bay has suffered from many years of developmental impacts, including dredge and fill construction, urbanized and industrial stormwater runoff, industrial contamination and dredged material disposal.
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.
Oyster shell bars will be constructed similar to natural oyster communities found along shoreline areas throughout Tampa Bay. Fossilized oyster shell from local shell mines provide a hard surface for oyster larvae to settle upon and grow, eventually forming a natural reef.
Tampa Bay Watch | 3000 Pinellas Bayway South | Tierra Verde, FL 33715
Ph:(727) 867-8166 |Fax:(727) 867-8188|Web:www.tampabaywatch.org