Project Conclusion
OVERVIEW:
Across a span of 100 days throughout the summer of 2022, we partnered with Stocking Savvy to scientifically evaluate the growth and effectiveness of 100 vertical oyster gardens that we installed in Blackburn Bay.
FINDINGS:
Noted weight increase of 7.48 pounds and nearly 2 inches of growth across our oldest VOGs. 21 species were found housed on our VOGs, including skilletfish, flat tree oysters, eastern oysters, and more. The most abundant species were ivory and bay barnacles, making up more than 90% of species by number.
While initial data was strong in supporting the project, we discovered minor issues which prevent this from being a publishable scientific study - but we feel this data can be viewed as proof of concept.
- 1,584 barnacles
- 173 oysters
- 5 sponges
- 15 polychaete worms
- 4 mussels
- 1 flatworm
- 22 crabs
- 1 skilletfish
METHODOLOGY:
- Drill small holes in the center of recycled oyster shells
- String coconut fiber or hemp rope through the center of 15-25 shells
- Assemble 5 strings, each holding between 15-25 shells, to a board mounted on the side, or under the dock
- VOGs were visited 3 times during the course of this study to track growth and new species
- VOGs are now best to be left alone to fully mature!
