Our Oyster Base Camp Program

OVERVIEW

The Wild Oyster Project maintains an oyster gardening program called Oyster Base Camps. Within this program, we distribute miniature oyster reefs, referred to as "Base Camps," throughout the San Francisco Bay.

These structures are metal cages that hang from numerous docks within the water column, and they host our recycled oyster shells. We use oyster shells because research indicates that baby oysters prefer to settle and grow on other oyster shells, which is how oyster reefs/beds are formed over time. In addition to enhancing water quality, these camps provide crucial data on the locations where oysters are thriving.

This program also allows us to educate the community about oysters and how to accurately monitor oyster growth. We hope to have our ocean stewards, or volunteers, directly involved in the Base Camp’s journey, including design, fabrication, and data collection. That way we can all get our feet wet! Just like the Olympia oyster itself, the Oyster Base Camp program is small but impactful.

PROGRAM START DATE

September 2021

HOW IT WORKS

By using recycled oyster shells, an Oyster Base Camp increases the likelihood of oyster larvae in the water successfully settling, surviving to adulthood and contributing to the growth of the wild oyster population in San Francisco Bay. The Base Camp shields oyster spat from sedimentation, heat stress and specific predators. It is not attached to the bottom and does not disturb the existing benthic environment. Additionally, it provides a habitat for other species.

OUR IMPACT

While collecting vital oyster data, we are also actively improving water quality and increasing biodiversity through habitat creation.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

You can volunteer or offer a private dock where we can deploy the Base Camp. We would require a staff member from the Wild Oyster Project and trained volunteers to access the Base Camp once every 6 months for oyster monitoring and maintenance. We can also provide training and tools if, as a Base Camp host, you would like to monitor and maintain it yourself. Please contact us if you would like to host a Base Camp!