Oyster Restoration Virtual Ambassador Program
About the Event
Join our Research Associates Morgan Gilligan and Sarah Cole to learn about a new pilot study at Florida Oceanographic.
Presented as part of the 2022 Virtual Water Ambassador Program.
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 using an aquaculture grade polyethylene mesh and attaching dried oyster shells to the mat with standard UV-resistant cable ties. Florida Tech is still testing a material that is able to be attached to the piling without succumbing to the pressures of sea life. We also would like to work on testing alternative materials that are environmentally friendly and cost effective here at Florida Oceanographic while conducting this pilot study. In terms of degradation of the plastic, we will be using an aquaculture, UV resistant grade polyethylene to minimize micro-plastic pollution. The positive is that eventually organisms will encompass the entire mat (such as encrusting bryozoan, algae, and sponge) cementing itself to the piling, becoming part of the structure.
A Q&A will follow the webinar. We will be offering a Living Docks Oyster Matting on Monday February 28th at 10am. Be sure to register for that if you would like to participate.
If you have any questions please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at rbadger@floridaocean.org or 772-225-0505 ext 109.
