Because of their key role, many scientists have increasingly suggested that Bay cleanup efforts must include oyster restoration along with nutrient reductions.
Oysters improve water quality, which helps the whole food chain.
If we can accomplish this, we can create a sustainable fishery that won't need any more public funds to survive. The money will support the construction of oyster reefs, water-quality monitoring around reefs, local oyster habitat restoration efforts and public information. We are seeing a huge increase in excitement about restoring oysters in the Bay. The Bay's oyster population is only a fraction of its historic level because of overharvesting, disease, pollution and loss of habitat. The funding will support a restoration strategy developed by scientists and managers from Maryland and Virginia that calls for setting aside 10 percent of Bay's historic oyster grounds as sanctuaries.