In September 2025, the Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) completed the restoration of four sites in Jones Bay. Where there was once unusable and degraded habitat, there are now 1.4 acres of oyster reef and 1.0 acre of bird nesting islands in Jones Bay.

Each site involved the enhancement of a remnant nesting island to provide areas of higher elevations to allow for successful nesting of American oystercatcher pairs. In addition, the enhancement and/or creation of intertidal oyster reef was completed adjacent to each island to provide foraging habitat for nesting oystercatchers and their young. The reef was completed using limestone rock which is common practice in Texas, but seen as a alternative substrate in some eastern states where only shell is allowed. 

All necessary permits and leases via the USACE, GLO, and TPWD were secured. Given the ongoing relationship with the residents of nearby Tiki Island via GBF’s Oyster Gardening Program, the Jones Bay project has been supported by the local community and did not encounter any significant obstacles in regard to community feedback.

To help increase oyster recrutiment to the reef, all spat collected from the oyster gardening program in Tiki Island will be placed on the restored reef. Not only are oysters a critical component of a healthy estuarine ecosystem, but they also provide food and shelter for over 300 different species. 

GBF plans to monitor the islands for the next five years. The proposed monitoring will examine the utilization of the enhanced nesting islands and adjacent reefs by oystercatchers as well as the influences of the restored oyster reef on species interactions and the local food web.

We cannot thank all our partners enough for their continued support and efforts on this project. GBF worked closely with partners from Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas General Land Office, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Galveston Bay Estuary Program, and Ducks Unlimited to ensure the proposed restoration efforts were effective and sustainable.