This project will serve as a demonstration project for the Texas Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership led by Duke Energy. Results of this effort will be used in recruiting other corporations to join us as we look to build up the membership of this valuable partnership.

Project Summary
This innovative project involves the creation of marsh and oyster reef habitat along the eroding shorelines within the Galveston Bay system. Oyster gardening techniques that have been successfully used in Chesapeake Bay are being piloted for use in Galveston Bay, in conjunction with proven methods of marsh restoration. As volunteers grow oysters, construct reef habitat, and create fringing marsh, they learn about the importance of reefs and marsh to the Galveston Bay ecosystem, and gain a greater appreciation for the ways in which the Bay's communities depend on and affect these vital habitats.

After several months of "gardening" growing oysters, gardeners will take their oysters to the reef construction site. An oyster reef will be built along the eroding shorelines on the bayside of Galveston Island. Once the reef have is built, smooth cordgrass will be planted between the reef and the shoreline. The reef will act as a wave barrier, and, over time, sediment will build up in front of the shoreline, making it possible for the marsh to become well established.

Project Need and Benefits
Habitat loss and degraded water quality have been identified as top priority issues for Galveston Bay. Oyster reefs and fringing marsh are among the most product Bay habitats, supporting a diversity of birds and finfish, protecting shorelines form erosion, and filtering excess sediments and nutrients from our waters.

Partners Texas Coastal Management Program Duke Energy Galveston Bay Foundation

This project will result in the creation of new reef and marsh, and will also increase public interest and involvement in finding solutions to habitat issues in Galveston Bay. By piloting innovative oyster gardening techniques, the project has the potential to serve as a model which can be applied to other estuaries in Texas and elsewhere.