Restoring the Reefs
Presented by Daniel Goulart, Coastal Project Manager with The Nature Conservancy
 
Wild Eastern oysters are a foundational estuarine species that have been pushed to the brink of extinction in Massachusetts. The oysters and reefs they form play a vital role in ecosystem health by providing structural habitat, stabilizing sediments, and filtering excess nutrients and algae from the water. These reefs also support vibrant coastal communities by enhancing recreational and subsistence fishing opportunities.  In this talk we'll examine the historical extent of wild Eastern oysters, the ecosystem services they provide, and the path to restoring them in estuaries all over the state.