Community Oyster Science Monitoring Opportunities (COSMO)

The Community Oyster Science Monitoring Opportunity (COSMO) program invites community members to participate directly in monitoring oyster reefs and intertidal ecosystems in San Francisco Bay. During COSMO events, volunteers work alongside Wild Oyster Project staff to learn scientific monitoring techniques while collecting valuable ecological observations.

Each event typically brings 15–25 participants to shoreline sites where they survey oyster habitat using quadrats and transects. Participants learn species identification, ecological monitoring methods, and the importance of oysters in supporting healthy estuarine ecosystems. Community science programs like COSMO expand our ability to monitor coastal environments while building a stronger connection between people and the Bay.

Oyster Base Camp Program

The Oyster Base Camp (OBC) Program is a community science initiative that helps the Wild Oyster Project understand where native oysters are most successful at settling and growing. By partnering with local dock owners, we establish monitoring stations throughout the estuary using shell-filled cages suspended in the water column. These cages provide a surface for naturally occurring oyster larvae to settle, allowing us to track recruitment patterns across different locations and environmental conditions. The data collected helps identify areas where oysters thrive and informs future restoration efforts.

Each Oyster Base Camp is monitored by trained volunteers who regularly collect information on oyster recruitment and environmental conditions. Through this collaborative effort, community members play a direct role in advancing oyster restoration and improving our understanding of estuarine ecosystem health. Recruitment for OBC Captains is currently paused, but please check back for future opportunities to participate in monitoring and conservation efforts.