July 23, 2024 — For more than 30 years, NOAA’s Office of Habitat Conservation has supported habitat restoration efforts across the country. We’ve reopened rivers in New England, rebuilt coral reefs in the Pacific Islands, restored coastal wetlands along the Gulf of Mexico, and more. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, we’re continuing our work to support fisheries, endangered species, and coastal communities. Many of our partners are helping to build capacity for current and future habitat restoration. Their efforts include workforce development programs, job creation, internships and educational opportunities, support for project planning, and engagement with community members.
Read on to learn more about how several of our partners are helping build capacity for habitat restoration efforts.
Recycling Oyster Shells on the Gulf Coast
Restore America’s Estuaries is coordinating with partners across the Gulf of Mexico to expand oyster recycling efforts and restore oyster reef habitat. They’re also working to engage more community members in the oyster recycling and restoration process.
In Florida, the Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program will use funds provided through the Restore America’s Estuaries award to support an oyster shell recycling program driven by people ages 18 to 25. The Program has partnered with OysterCorps, a workforce development program managed by NOAA partner Franklin’s Promise Coalition. They will collect shells from participating restaurants and use them to create new oyster habitat in the Pensacola Bay area.