The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) Oyster Resilience Project aims to enhance oyster reef restoration success in southwestern Mobile Bay, Alabama.  Using Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource Damage Assessment (DWH NRDA) Funds, this project aims to increase oyster abundance and resilience by constructing habitat and increasing connectivity within that habitat through larval transport.  Previous restoration efforts provide a basis of knowledge.  This work provides the opportunity to build on those efforts. By considering all aspects of the current oyster fishery in Mobile Bay and optimizing as many variables as possible, we improve the chances of restoration success and reef resilience.  The project team’s long-term goal is to deploy self-sustaining Restoration Units (RUs) that coalesce into naturally functioning reefs. Data collection on key parameters will be combined with novel RU designs and portable larval production technology as needed to optimize site selection and function.

We use a multifaceted approach to restoration of the area: 1) ground-truthing side-scan sonar data to identify available hard bottom at 2–4 m depth; 2) conducting a two-year study of natural water quality and larval supply; 3) designing RUs and determining the most effective deployment layout; 4) creating centers for oyster larval production in situ; and 5) development of methods for managing oyster drill predation. As information is analyzed and the sites with the best qualities for restoration are identified, the historical presence of oyster drill predation will be considered. Our work will evaluate and incorporate predator management strategies into our best practices to address this persistent threat to restoration efforts.

By considering a multi-factor approach we hope to maximize the success of restoration efforts by creating a sustainable and resilient network of high-vertical relief brood (source) reefs linked by larval transport to sink reefs.