Coffee Island Oyster Reefs

Reef balls and oyster shells were used to create 1.02 miles of oyster reef off the coast of Coffee Island, in Portersville Bay, Alabama. These reefs reduced erosion, enhanced biodiversity, created jobs and improved local fisheries. This also created 20 acres of seagrass and marsh habitat, further protecting the shoreline. This project resulted in significant oyster settlement rates, increases in juvenile finfish, and an overall reduction in erosion rates along the adjacent shorelines. This project employed 33 full-time workers and contributed to 152 local paychecks, as well as created jobs for local oystermen, shrimpers, and workers from the concrete industry.