This was a record-breaking year for ORP and Chesapeake Bay oyster restoration efforts!
We planted 1.5 billion juvenile oysters on hundreds of acres of sanctuary and public reefs. We continued to make progress on the state's commitment to restore oysters in five Bay tributaries by 2025. In addition, this year:
- ORP planted 450 million oysters on public oyster grounds to help support Maryland’s commercial watermen.
- ORP recycled its 300,000th bushel of oyster shells from Shell Recycling Alliance members.
- Oyster restoration was officially recognized by the EPA as a “Best Management Practice” because of their ability to remove harmful nutrients from water.
Make a donation to support our critical restoration work. 95 percent of our funding is used directly for oyster restoration programs.
