Researchers anticipate the restored oyster reefs to produce $38 million in ecosystem benefits through to 2048.
They highlight that healthy oyster reefs also support commercial and recreational fisheries by creating habitat for hundreds of species, including blue crab, shrimp, flounder, and sea bass; improve water quality and clarity by removing pollutants, sediment, and excess algae; and reduce the impact of waves and storm surges, protecting the coastline from erosion.
The report notes that while fishermen cannot harvest from the sanctuary reefs themselves, the protected oysters support other harvestable reefs by producing larvae. While the sanctuary reefs represent only about 6% of the oyster reef footprint in the Pamlico Sound, they produce 25% of the Sound’s oyster larvae. Currents then disperse this free-floating larvae throughout the Sound.
“This network protects nearly 350 million oysters,” said North Carolina Coastal Federation Oyster Programme director, Erin Fleckenstein. “These reefs serve as an insurance policy to our oyster populations.”
Over the course of the last century, North Carolina lost more than 90% of its oyster reef area. Investing in reef restoration in Pamlico Sound is therefore recognised as vital to preserving the benefits that oysters provide.
In 2023, NOAA’s Office of Habitat Conservation awarded the Federation an additional $14.9 million to expand the sanctuary network to 500 acres by 2026. This funding was unlocked via the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Stevens Towing actually began building the new oyster reef in 2024 and the company will return this spring and in 2026.
“I – as well as many members of our Steven Towing family – grew up on the coast of eastern North Carolina, so we look at this as an honour to be able to give back to the environment and be part of something bigger,” said Hollowell. “It’s nice to help secure it for our families and future generations to come.”