Mississippi Oyster Cultch Restoration Project

This project aimed to restore oyster cultch areas in the waters of Hancock and Harrison Counties in Mississippi.  Cultch material, such as oyster shell or limestone, was deployed at a rate of 100 cubic yards per acre, and successfully restored and enhanced approximately 1,430 acres of oyster cultch area. This project will promote oyster settlement and reef growth, as well as the use of reef habitat by infauna and epifauna. Overall, the project will enhance biodiversity and improve water quality through the growth of healthy oyster reefs. The total authorized project budget was $9,920,952.89.