February 25, 2005
Bronson Announces Federal Grant To Restore Oyster Reefs Damaged By Hurricane Ivan
Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson today announced that his department has been awarded a $1.7 million federal grant to restore oyster reefs damaged by Hurricane Ivan last September.
The grant was provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and is part of an overall effort by a number of Gulf states to restore damage caused by the hurricane.
“It is critical that we restore our oyster reefs to benefit the men and women who make their living in this industry, and to the millions of Floridians and citizens throughout the country who enjoy Florida’s quality seafood,” Bronson said.
The restoration project involves the construction of oyster reef habitat in a number of Florida’s Gulf Coast estuaries, including in Escambia Bay, East Bay, Choctawhatchee Bay, West Bay, North Bay, Apalachicola Bay, Oyster Bay, Suwannee Sound and Waccacassa Bay. The project is designed to rejuvenate fishery habitat, enhance oyster production and facilitate recovery of damaged fisheries habitat.
Florida officials have been actively engaged in oyster resource development for more than 50 years. During that time, they have created and restored thousands of acres of productive public oyster reefs.
In addition to enhancing oyster production, oyster reefs provide fishery and wildlife habitat, support species diversity and provide numerous ecosystem benefits.
For more information:
Mark Berrigan(850) 410-0841
berrigm@doacs.state.fl.us
