We’re staying positive! Here is something very cool. Very forward thinking!
The Environmental Protection Agency – which hasn’t always been one of the American government’s most productive wings in recent years – is adding 50,000 oysters to Jamaica Bay in an attempt to revive a species that once blanketed New York. They are hoping to grow that number to one billion. Yes, one billion!
It’s not being done because of a sudden culinary interest in New York City oysters. It’s being done, thankfully, for the serious ecological purpose of returning the ecosystem to what it was before we destroyed it. Scientists are finding natural ways of protecting against the “one in a hundred years” storm that now occurs every few years.
From Jamaica Bay Eco Watchers:
“Oysters were once a mainstay of Jamaica Bay where they were harvested for consumption. They existed in large amounts as reefs throughout the waters of the Bay. [They] started to die off in the early 1900s from exposure to sewage as there were no sewage treatment plants and waste was deposited directly into the bay and adjacent waters.”
“Without oysters, New York Harbor’s ecosystem lacks a crucial element. Each adult oyster can filter dozens of gallons of water each day, and an oyster bed can reduce the force of waves on wetlands, protecting the coast from erosion. An oyster bed is also an important habitat for species of fish that live in the small spaces between the oysters, Mr. McLaughlin said. “Think of them as a condominium.”
We need to support this great work and efforts like it. These are the kinds of projects that illustrate our government does not lack vision, is looking ahead to better, brighter, cleaner future and can support and empower those with true expertise to get the job done.
If you’re interested and want to get involved, respond to this email and let us know. We’ll put you directly in touch with the people on the ground, spearheading this noble endeavor.
Founder, Areena
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