NOAA awards $10 million grant for Chesapeake Bay oyster sanctuary

BALTIMORE, MD—The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has announced that it will award a $10 million grant for the construction of a new oyster sanctuary in the Chesapeake Bay.

The funding will help establish a sustainable future for the Chesapeake Bay’s oyster population, which is critical to the health of the bay’s ecosystems and economy.

The new reef will be built by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and will provide critical habitat for a variety of oyster species. It will also enhance the region’s resilience to storms and other environmental impacts.

“This is an exciting time for oysters in the Chesapeake Bay,” Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz said. “Just as we’re finishing the tributary phase of sanctuary construction and seeding, this $10 million award will help us with future oyster restoration throughout Maryland.”

Oysters play a vital role in maintaining the health of the Chesapeake Bay. They help to filter out excess nutrients from the water, provide a home for a wide range of marine life, and encourage tourism and economic development.

The restoration of oyster reefs is an important component of the Chesapeake Bay Program, which aims to restore healthy oyster populations in 10 tributaries in Maryland and Virginia by 2025. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is committed to sustainable resource management and restoring damaged ecosystems. The award of this grant is a significant step forward in the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay’s oyster population.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.

Photo via Maryland DNR