Gardeners grow their oysters for about a year until they are around two inches in length. Oysters are collected and planted on a rebuilt reef in local waters. The gardener starts over with a new batch of seed. Oysters supported the most valuable fishery in the Bay for over 100 years. Not only are they important economically, but oysters are also a very important part of the Bay s ecology.
Oysters form large reefs that provide habitat for a wide range of plants and animals.
In addition, they feed by filtering microscopic plants from the water and in the process improve water quality. Rebuilding reefs and stocking them with oysters is a high priority for the Bay. It is a long term process that will rely on the participation and commitment of many people over many years. Oyster gardening can be done throughout most of the Bay and its tributaries. CBF holds workshops in various locations in both Maryland and Virginia.