A service of Salisbury University and University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Pledge to Add 10 Billion Oysters to Chesapeake Bay

Don Rush

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) - A coalition of environmental groups and foundations has made a goal of adding 10 billion oysters to the Chesapeake Bay over the next several years.

The Virginian-Pilot reports foundation officials hope the increased cooperation will accelerate the oyster drive and add to pressure against the Trump administration's proposed cutbacks in federal funding for bay cleanup.

Will Baker with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation tells WTOP-FM that oysters are a keystone species and are vital to the health of the Bay.

Foundation officials say achieving the goal will require several things including greater sanctuary oyster reef construction and expansion along with more replenishment of public oyster harvest grounds.

In recent years, oysters have made an impressive comeback after decades of dramatic declines in oyster populations.

Don Rush is the News Director at Delmarva Public Media. An award-winning journalist, Don reports major local issues of the day, from sea level rise, to urban development, to the changing demographics of Delmarva.