On Saturday, April 25, we had an enthusiastic group of 23 oyster reefers (aka Rotarians, family and friends) working with two marine biologists from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources placing manufactured wire reefs (MWRs) along the May River shoreline. This was part 2 of our annual Oyster Reef Restoration service project. We deployed the 40 MWRs that our volunteers built in March. It was a beautiful day on the river and we successfully completed a consequential service project, and all of our volunteers came away without injury -- a total success!
Our work is part of the SCDNR's South Carolina Oyster Recycling and Enhancement Program (SCORE). The MWRs provide habitat for oyster larvae to attach and develop. A healthy oyster population is important because each adult oyster filters and purifies up to 50 gallons of water per day, helping to keep our waterways clean.
Oysters build reefs which provide habitat for fish, shrimp, crabs, and other animals. Oysters are an integral part of our marine ecosystem. There are nearly 120 different species that frequent oyster reefs, including Red Drum, Blue Crabs, and Flounder. The MWRs also serve to limit erosion and stabilize the shoreline.
For more information on the SCORE program and to learn more about why their mission is so important in our area, visit their website at https://score.dnr.sc.gov/deepc9f3.html
