Oyster restoration projects provide jobs

Oyster restoration projects provide jobs
BY SENTINEL STAFF

SANDY SEMANS | SENTINEL A crane works at moving marl from a barge off of Stumpy Point into the water in one of many efforts to create an oyster sanctuary. The lead agency for the project is the North Carolina Coastal Federation which has partnered with several government agencies, educational institutions and businesses to accomplish the projects which are being funded through federal stimulus funds. Observers keep watch on the project to ensure that it is conducted in the correct manner.

Although construction has dwindled on the Outer Banks, offshore in the sound there is some serious building going on.

A two-year project began in September in an effort to help restore the state’s oyster populations. A $5 million federal economic stimulus grant to the North Carolina Coastal Federation (NCCF) is being used to fund the creation of two oyster sanctuaries – one off Stumpy Point at Crab Hole and another at Clam Shoal off of Hatteras Island. During the two-year project, 54,500 tons of limestone marl will be moved from a quarry in New Bern to a loading site in Belhaven and then barged offshore to build the oyster reefs.

These reefs attract native oyster larvae, as well as clams, juvenile finfish, crabs and marine organisms, which in turn attract larger fish, enhancing hook-and-line fishing. Harvest of oysters and the use of bottom disturbing gear are prohibited in the sanctuaries, allowing a brood stock of oysters to develop.

The grant also will allow payment to commercial fishermen to place 40,000 bushels of oysters shells in the water at various locations along the coast to give juvenile oysters – “spat” – more places to attach.

“The partners are excited for the chance to move North Carolina oyster restoration efforts forward, along with all the economic and environmental benefits that they bring,” said Todd Miller, NCCF executive director.

Each oyster produces millions of eggs annually that are carried by currents and tides to surrounding areas. By developing and protecting a brood stock, the availability of robust native oysters in adjacent waters increases.

The oyster restoration has created new jobs for several companies.

“We’ve been busy preparing the barges and equipment for this project ever snce we got the green light,” said Simon Rich, co-owner of Steven’s Towing Co., the barge company responsible for ferrying the limestone marl to the sanctuary sites. We’ve been able to re-hire several of our guys, so we’re really happy about that.”

Jobs also have been created for quarry workers, truckers, welders, barge operators, tug boat crews and heavy machinery operators.

“This project reminds us that our economy and environment are intertwined,” said acting assistant admininstrator for NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service, Jim Balsigner. “The Recovery Act is making it possible to hire local people to held restore an important part of North Carolina’s coastline that will strengthen the community’s environment and economy for the long term.