CCA NH Oyster Restoration Program
Partners and Supporters
Jackson Marine Laboratory (UNH)
The Nature Conservancy of New Hampshire
Scamman's Home & Garden Showplace
John McClane, UNH Kingman Farm
Gary Cote, Sullivan Tire, Stratham
Participating Restaurants:
Robert's Maine Grill
Kittery, ME
Jumpin' Jay's Fish Café
Portsmouth, NH
The Old Salt
Hampton, NH
The Dinnerhorn
Portsmouth, NH
Surf Restaurant
Portsmouth, NH
Sander's Fish Market
Portsmouth, NH
Makris Lobster & Steak House
Concord, NH
Program History
In 2009, members of the CCA NH Board became aware of the dramatic decrease in Great Bay oyster beds. After researching the issue with Dr. Ray Grizzle of UNH’s Jackson Estuarine Lab (JEL) and Ray Konisky of The Nature Conservancy (TNC), we decided to seek funding to institute a shell recycling program with area restaurants. Most oysters being sold originate from out of state. Two purposes would be served: 1) acquire shell to re-establish the disappearing beds, and 2) increase public awareness of the problems facing the estuary, namely: siltation, storm water run-off, point and non-point pollution, the disappearance of eelgrass, disease and nitrogen loading.
The Orvis Company of Manchester, VT, recognized immediately the value of the venture and funded the program. Weekly pick-ups of shell commenced and to date more than 2000 bushels have been collected. Working closely with JEL and TNC, the seasoned shell is utilized directly and indirectly as the necessary substrate for the growth of natural and introduced spat (baby oysters). The shell ends up on the bay bottom at permitted sites closed to recreational harvest.
Oysters perform an extremely important function. An adult can filter up to 20 gallons of water every day. One estimate calculates that the healthy beds in the early 1990’s could filter the entire bay in 3-4 days. The remnant beds of today take well over a year to perform the same function.
Program Status
We continue to make weekly pickups at area restaurants that include: Robert’s Maine Grill, Jumpin’ Jay’s, The Old Salt, Dinnerhorn, Surf, and Sander’s Fish Market. Our current funds will last into 2012. A recently donated trailer by Dr. Mitch Kalter has provided needed versatility. Expansion into other regions is possible, but is dependent upon manpower and funding.
Great Bay is facing some serious problems. Supporting oyster restoration is a positive step that you can support. Contact Jeff Barnum, 603-770-3201 for additional information, become a partner/supporter or to learn how you can get involved!