💨 Abstract

In Maryland's St. Mary’s River, 25,500 oysters were planted, too large for restaurants but ideal for restoration. The SOAR program, started in 2021, repurposes unsellable oysters for reef building, benefiting local wildlife like crabs and striped bass. By year-end, around 1.5 million oysters will be planted, showing collaboration between environmentalists, state agencies, and growers.

Courtesy: Kate Ryan