This article describes renewed oyster reef restoration efforts in NJ by NY/NJ Baykeeper and features a video. Baykeeper has placed thousands of oysters in lantern nets and plans to monitor their growth and mortality in the Spring. The oysters have been placed at the Naval Weapons Station Earle Pier in Middletown, NJ.
Last year, Baykeeper had to remove the oyster reefs that they had restored throughout NJ because the reefs were deemed an "attractive nuisance." The restored reefs were constructed in areas that were closed to shellfishing due to low water quality standards. NJ has a $300 million shellfish industry and the NJ government. It was thought that if people ate oysters from the restored oyster reefs, it would threaten the industry's reputation. These oysters will be regularly monitored by the Navy to dissuade any from harvesting the oysters for human consumption.
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