VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WVEC) — More oysters are heading to the Lynnhaven River.
On Monday, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Lynnhaven River Now announced they received two federal grants totaling $400,000 to help restore oysters.
“We have been planning work here, but the fact that we have the grant now will make that work a reality,” explained Jackie Shannon.
Shannon is the oyster restoration manager for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. She said the beginning work will start this winter.
“Five million oysters will go on this specific project and each one of those oysters can filter 50 gallons a day,” she said.
While the oysters are good to eat, they are good for the environment as well.
“They are like a water treatment plants in terms of remove sediments and pollutants, and if you eat oysters, it’s good to know where they come from,” Shannon explained.
Shannon said the restored reefs won’t be harvested. Their only goal is to help clean the water and provide habit for other animals.
The goal is for Lynnhaven River to be fully restored by 2025.
“This will tie in greatly with other work that’s being done by the army corps of engineers by Virginia marine resource commission. The stars are really aligning in terms of all the partners coming together,” said Shannon.
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