HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) — One million baby oysters are on the way for the Hampton River thanks to a nearly $500,000 grant secured by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
The foundation announced on Wednesday that it was awarded $494,701 from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for the project, which also aims to partner with local students and community groups, including nearby Hampton University.
The oysters will be planted on two acres of new sanctuary oyster reefs on the 3.2 mile-long waterway.
“We are thrilled to be working in the Hampton River to bring these sanctuary reefs to the community, build on our research partnership with Hampton University, and help Hampton River oysters make a comeback, especially through the use of CBF’s unique oyster barge,” said CBF Virginia Oyster Restoration Manager Jackie Shannon. “With their water-filtering abilities, the one million oysters added to the river will not only improve water quality, but fishing and recreational opportunities for Hampton residents.
The foundation emphasized this comes after a successful National Fish and Wildlife Foundation-funded project on the Lafayette River in Norfolk. Restoration efforts there led to the river being named the first tributary in Virginia to be restored for oysters back in 2018. Now species like seahorses and even the occasional manatee are spotted in the Lafayette.
To learn more about the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s oyster efforts and to get involved, click here.
