Living Docks Oyster Matting (FULL)

Like many estuaries worldwide, the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), has seen a decline in resources and overall water quality due to human activities. One method to help restore water quality and benthic habitats is the construction and deployment of oyster restoration mats on dock pilings, known as the Living Docks program. Established at Florida Tech’s Indian River Lagoon Research Institute (IRLRI), this community driven program was founded to promote the growth of filter feeding benthic organisms and improve local water quality. Oyster mats are constructed by attaching dried oyster shells to an aquaculture grade polyethylene. We need your help attaching oyster shells to the mats.

Registration closes on Wednesday, March 15th, at 2pm, or when full.

No previous experience needed, but nimble fingers are a must. If you have any questions please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at rbadger@floridaocean.org or 772-225-0505 ext 109.

Minimum age to participate is 10 years old. Participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Participants ages 16-17 need to have signed Florida Oceanographic waivers if participating without a parent/guardian. Contact Rosemary at rbadger@floridaocean.org to get these waivers emailed. 

Registration is required to participate in this event. Please register below.

An email confirmation from our volunteer coordinator will be emailed to you a few days before the event which will include final details. Please make sure to check your junk and/or spam folders.