MacDill's Oyster Reef

Staff Sgt. Kevin Rocha, 6th Force Support Squadron along with Chris Sutton from the Tampa Bay Watch Incorporated, install oyster habitats along the shoreline during the Oyster Reef Project here Dec 12. This is a continuation of a community-based restoration project that began in 2003. These Oyster shell bars are marine-friendly, hollow, concrete oyster domes that will provide shoreline stabilization for the currently eroding coastline and habitat for marine life. Oyster dome communities provide envoirmental enhancement in the form of hard-bottom habitats for fish and wildlife resources. The goal of the Tampa Bay Watch?s Community Oyster Reef Enhancement program is to increase the oyster population in the Tampa Bay and at the same time, provide habitats for small organisms, prevent shoreline erosion, improve water quality and promote fish and wildlife habitats. The CORE programs primarily use two types of material to construct oyster habitats: Lo-Pro Reef balls and Oyster shell bags. This project benefits the Tampa Bay community by promoting environmental awareness and offers a hands-on experience in habitat restoration.