On Saturday October 20th, the SFEC held the Annual Environmental Meeting. SFEC Treasurer, Dave Ferguson began the meeting by discussing environmental projects in which the
Club participates during the year. These include: 1) The funding and support of the establishment of Offshore Reefs, 2) Various Club sponsored Dune Plantings of Milkweed and Beach Plums, 3) SFEC has built and erected over 30 Osprey Platforms/Nests in the marshlands around Ludlam Island, 4) Each year we participate in Turtle Rescues with the Turtle Research Program at the Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor.
Dave then introduced Lisa Calvo, Aquaculture Program Coordinator, at Rutgers Haskin
Shellfish Research Laboratory in Port Norris, NJ. Lisa presented information about the Oyster Program and research performed at the laboratory. The following is a Summary of the various Points and topics Discussed:
Oysters Build Reefs
Eastern Oysters are found along the eastern coast of the United States and the Gulf of Mexico.
These are stationary organisms, in that they glue themselves down and thus form reefs. They
help to keep the water clean by filtering and create habitats. Oyster reefs are one of the most-periled habitats in the world.
History of Oysters
Bivalve harvesting regions were some of the wealthiest areas of the country in the early 1900’s because so much money was generated from oyster harvesting. In the late 1950’s, a dangerous parasite impacting oyster growth appeared in the Delaware Bay and decimated the population. Today, we harvest about 150,000 bushels a year.
Rutgers Works With the State of NJ and Industry
We sample oyster beds and review the information found to determine the quota for that year. Oyster beds are very carefully managed.
Benefits of Oysters
Oysters are a good food for us. They have vitamins, minerals, proteins, and Omega 3’s. Depending upon where they’re grown, the flavor of an Oyster can be different. Barnegat Bay oysters are
saltier than Delaware Bay Oysters.
Project Ports – Promoting Oyster Restoration Through Schools
This is a “unique community-based restoration program that gives K-12 students an
opportunity to experience environmental stewardship first hand as they help restore critical
Delaware Bay oyster habitat.” Lisa also stated that the Upper Township School District participates in this project.