This year, ORP proudly celebrated 30 years of oyster restoration, achieving milestones that underscore our commitment to revitalizing the Chesapeake Bay. From record-breaking planting efforts to groundbreaking collaborations, 2024 was a year of progress and innovation, advancing ecological restoration and economic growth.
- Public Oyster Grounds: For the first time, we planted more oysters on public grounds than sanctuary reefs—462 million spat-on-shell, 15,000 bushels of wild seed, and 233,000 bushels of shell—boosting harvest areas and supporting Maryland’s watermen.
- Sanctuary Reefs: Planted 348 million oysters across 74 acres in five waterways, including the Manokin River, set for restoration completion in 2025.
- Sustainable Oyster Management: The Eastern Bay Oyster Coalition united stakeholders to develop a framework for balancing harvest, restoration, and stakeholder needs. Recommendations will be finalized in 2025 for broader application.
- Alternate Materials: ORP is addressing the oyster shell shortage by testing sustainable alternatives like recycled concrete and stone, enhancing reef habitats and supporting large-scale recovery in the Bay.
