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What are Oyster Reefs?
An aquatic reef, or oyster reef, is a solid, three-dimensional ecological community made up of multitudes of densely packed oysters. They are the largest source of hard surface on the Chesapeake Bay’s bottom and are very important to its health. Without the hard surfaces of the reefs, oysters would be easily buried and suffocated by the soft sediment on the Bay’s floor.
The nooks and crannies of the reefs also provide habitat for various communities of fish and invertebrates. Some species, such as gobies and skilletfish, use oyster reefs as their primary habitat; others, such as blue crabs or striped bass, visit the reefs to breed, find food and hide from predators. Oyster reefs attract some of the highest densities of fish of any type of habitat in the Bay, helping to sustain vibrant recreational fisheries.
With the Bay’s oyster population a fraction of what it used to be, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is working with public and private partners to restore this essential species and the critical filtering services it performs. One strategy currently underway is the creation of artificial oyster reefs in sanctuaries, where juvenile oysters are planted and allowed to grow maturity.
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Martin Gary
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