CSA Ocean Sciences Inc. (CSA) is pleased to announce that it has been selected by Martin County to manage the County’s Oyster Reef Restoration Project, which is being funded by a grant as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Construction is scheduled to begin on 17 August.

Oyster reefs play a critical role in the health and functionality of estuaries, filtering toxins, sediments, and various nutrients from the water. Project scientists have projected that, once constructed and fully populated with oysters, the oyster reefs will be able to filter the entire volume of the St. Lucie Estuary approximately once a month. Oyster reefs also provide habitat for many species of economically important fishes and crustaceans such as gag grouper, gray snapper, redfish, spiny lobster, and stone crab. Economically, this project protects and creates approximately 100 full-time and temporary jobs for community residents for the duration of the project, estimated at 18 months.

This project is a long-term investment in the ecological and economic health of the region, with benefits continuing to accrue long after construction has been completed.

For more information, community members are encouraged to participate in the open house being held by Martin County on Wednesday, 2 September from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Stuart Recreation Center on Flagler Street in downtown Stuart. In addition, an educational website is being created to keep the public informed and updated on the progress of the restoration efforts.