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Why a Tampa organization says saving oysters is 'critically important' to environment

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Published  December 13, 2024 6:13pm EST
Hillsborough County
FOX 13 News

Restoring Fantasy Island after double hurricanes

FOX 13's Lloyd Sowers reports on a Tampa-based nonprofit organization trying to restore shoreline erosion in the Bay Area by using shucked oyster shells.

TAMPA, Fla. - What do you do with the shells of oysters that people eat in local restaurants? 

One Bay Area organization says to put them in Tampa Bay to help grow more oysters. 

Tampa Bay Watch volunteers placing oyster shells on Bay Area coastlines.

Tampa Bay Watch volunteers place oyster shells on Bay Area coastlines.

"By putting them out, it serves as homes for future oyster populations," says Richard Radigan of Tampa Bay Watch.

Tampa Bay Watch is a non-profit environmental group that mobilizes volunteers to place oyster shells and concrete reef balls along our coastlines. 

READ: Tampa nonprofit supports community one bike at a time

Scientists say they help create better habitats for juvenile fish and other wildlife while protecting the shoreline from erosion. 

"It is critically important for us to save our coastlines, both for us as residents of Tampa Bay and the wildlife that call Tampa Bay home."

The home for wildlife they've focused on this week is Fantasy Island, a small patch of sand in the middle of Tampa Bay formed when the shipping channel was dredged. 

Tampa Bay Watch volunteers working to put oyster shells on Bay Area coastlines.

Tampa Bay Watch volunteers working to put oyster shells on Bay Area coastlines.

Seabirds took it over, and they've raised millions of offspring. 

READ: Florida's citrus production could be historically low. Here's why

Tampa Bay Watch has been working to construct a Living Shoreline here using oyster shells, reef balls, and other techniques to improve the shoreline habitat and protect the island from coastal erosion caused by wind and the wake of ships and boats passing through the bay. 

The efforts started 20 years ago and will continue in 2025. 

Radigan says they're needed more now than ever, with our area being pounded by bigger storms.

"Major weather events like storms have a profound effect on these coastlines, and we want to protect them as best we can," says Radigan. 

Tampa Bay Watch is looking for volunteers for 2025. For more information, click here.

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