Through working with the Oyster Recovery Partnership, the Trust and its Bay plates have helped restore the oyster population in the Chesapeake Bay by planting spat, creating habitat, and engaging students around Maryland to learn about the importance of oysters to the Chesapeake Bay. In the past two years, Bay plates have helped plant over one million oysters in the Chesapeake Bay.

Oyster Facts:

• Did you know that at the height of their population, oysters were able to filter and clean the entire Chesapeake Bay in a matter of just days? Now, it takes more than a year!
• Today, an oyster reef is among the most negatively impacted habitats on earth.  
• Although a culinary treat any time of the year, traditionally, oysters are best eaten during colder months with an “R” in their name.
• An estimated 2,600 acres of oyster beds are lost each year to silt and sediment build up. Oysters need your help.
  
  

Ways you can Help:

• Join the Marylanders Grow Oysters program
• Volunteer for the Shell Recycling Alliance
• Learn more at the Oyster Recovery Partnership