REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. — Community members can discover how Delaware officials are bringing oysters back to the Inland Bays during a special public meeting scheduled for Thursday, August 5. The Delaware Center for the Inland Bays will host its Citizens Advisory Committee – Citizens Café to discuss shellfish restoration and aquaculture initiatives in local waters.
The session begins at 6 p.m. at the Center’s headquarters located at 39375 Inlet Road within Delaware Seashore State Park. Those unable to attend in person can participate online via Zoom. All attendees must register in advance at tinyurl.com/AugustCAC, whether joining virtually or physically.
Once abundant throughout East Coast waters, American oysters thrived in Delaware’s coastal areas for generations. However, disease outbreaks and declining water conditions nearly wiped out these shellfish populations from the Inland Bays. Today, multiple conservation programs are successfully reintroducing oysters to these waters.
Environmental specialists from both the Center and state agencies will present current data about the obstacles and achievements in cultivating oysters locally. They will also discuss the critical role these mollusks play in maintaining healthy coastal environments.
Environmental scientist Zina Hense from the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will discuss the background of shellfish farming in the Inland Bays and provide updates on the current Shellfish Aquaculture Program status.
The Center has operated a community-based initiative since 2003, partnering with waterfront property owners to cultivate small oyster populations along private docks and seawalls through its Oyster Gardening Program. Project Manager Nivette Pérez-Pérez will detail this program, including participation requirements and its environmental benefits.
These bivalves serve dual purposes by cleaning water through their natural feeding process while creating reef structures that shelter important marine life including blue crabs and flounder, according to program officials.
“Oysters are an iconic species and an intrinsic part of the story of the Bays, one that we lost and are trying to bring back,” Pérez-Pérez said. “The Oyster Gardening Program and our gardeners are giving them a head start by taking care of them when they are most vulnerable.”
Officials are currently seeking new volunteers for the Oyster Gardening Program as they work to extend coverage throughout all areas of the Inland Bays. Interested residents can find additional information or register at inlandbays.org/oyster-gardening.
Complete details about the Citizens Advisory Committee and the August 5 gathering are available online at inlandbays.org/citizens-advisor.
Established in 1994, the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays operates as a nonprofit organization and represents one of 28 National Estuary Programs nationwide. The Center collaborates with numerous partners to safeguard, preserve and rehabilitate Delaware’s Inland Bays and surrounding watershed areas.
The Citizen Advisory Committee serves as a vital link between community concerns regarding Inland Bays protection and the Center’s Board of Directors. These quarterly Citizen Café sessions provide opportunities for public engagement with Committee members and Center staff while educating attendees about watershed issues.
Additional information is available by contacting Lisa Swanger at 302-226-8105 ext. 703 or [email protected], or by visiting inlandbays.org.
