Florida Oceanographic Society Oyster Restoration at the Driftwood in Jensen
According to Dr Vincent Encomio we have lost over 80% of the Oyster Reefs here in the St. Lucie River. The biofiltration and the habitat they are creating is vital to the health of the lagoon and the estuary.
Here is the story in photos from April 29 of this project at the Driftwood Motel in Jensen. The Driftwood Motel is owned by our friend Irene Nethery Gomes who is a tireless advocate for the Indian River Lagoon and our way of life in Martin County.
Vincent Encomio, PhD, Research Scientist, spearheads the effort to restore the oyster population devastated by fresh-water discharges into the estuary that began in 2005 and continues today! The oysters are critical to cleaning the water and providing habitat and food for up to 300 estuarine species.
Learn more about Florida Oceanographic’s shell recycling partnership with the City of Stuart.
For more information on how you can get involved, please contact Vincent at 772-225-0505, ext 112.