Oyster Reefs & Projects

The Heron’s Head Oyster Reef

located at Bayview-Hunters Point.

This reef structure is working hard to help the health of the water around the India Basin area. They protect the shoreline, increase biodiversity and filter the surrounding water. We helped the Port to install 60 Oyster Reef Balls that are made from ECOncrete (a sustainable material). This was all part of the Greater Heron’s Head Park Shoreline Resilience Project which is working to protect wetland habitats and shoreline integrity.

We attached approximately 2,000 lbs of bagged, recycled oyster shells to the inside of these balls. All of the shells were collected from local partnering restaurants that share in our mission through our “Save Your Shucks” program.

Within just one year, the area's biodiversity has undergone a significant transformation. Shorebirds have returned, and we've observed the emergence of new inhabitants, including hermit crabs, who are calling these reef ecosystems home.

Other Restoration Projects

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Western Snowy Plover Habitat Enhancement

We donated 3200 lbs of recycled oyster shells to support the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project. This project (by SF Bay Bird Observatory and California Fish & Wildlife) aims to boost the Western Snowy Plover population, a federally threatened species and a California Species of Special Concern. According to research, these adorable birds prefer nesting in areas with ample oyster shell substrate. Researchers believe this is because oyster shells provide the perfect camouflage for eggs and chicks as well as protects them from blowing sand. Just another way oysters are giving back to the biodiversity of our ecosystem!

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Our Oyster Base Camp Program
Our Oyster Base Camp Program

Within our program, we deploy 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. In addition to enhancing water quality and improving biodiversity, these camps provide us with crucial data on the locations where oysters are thriving. The long-term goal is to use this data to create more permanent reefs!

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WANT TO HOST YOUR OWN BASE CAMP?

If you’re a private dock owner, you can provide a place for us to deploy an oyster Base Camp. As well as aiding in the health of the water, you can also help us collect essential oyster data.

This would require a Wild Oyster Project staff member and trained volunteer to access the Base Camp once every 6 months for oyster monitoring and maintenance. We can also provide training and tools if you as a Base Camp host would like to monitor and maintain it yourself. 

We are currently collecting information on potential new OBC locations. If you would like to be added to a list of potential new sites, please contact us

 

Every oyster habitat makes a difference.