North Cape Shellfish Restoration, Block Island Sound

This particular case study focuses on the shellfish restoration project to restore quahog, bay scallop and oyster populations in the coastal Rhode Island salt ponds following injuries caused by the North Cape oil spill. This was attempted by replacing the quantity of biomass (direct mortality plus forgone production, estimated 1.0 million kilograms) lost due to the spill. Aspects of the restoration included quahog rescue from the Providence River Federal Navigation Channel dredge area, stock enhancement and restoration of quahogs, bay scallops and oysters through nursery, spat collection, spawning sanctuaries, and reseeding projects. Monitoring showed increased bay scallop and oyster populations sufficient to rebound to pre-spill levels.