Online Sci-Café: Apalachicola Bay Systems Initiative Update

Apalachicola Bay’s oyster industry thrived for over a century, but in 2012 the fishery collapsed. Several restoration efforts have been implemented, but oyster populations have not recovered. In 2019, Florida State University was awarded funding for the Apalachicola Bay System Initiative (ABSI) by Triumph Gulf Coast with the goal of gaining insight into the root causes of the oyster population demise, understanding why the system was not recovering, and identifying potential pathways to a healthy Bay ecosystem and oyster fishery. Principle Investigator and FSU Marine Lab Faculty Dr. Sandra Brooke give an update on the progress of the Initiative and the results of their restoration research and experiments. Devin Resko, the Fishery Disaster Relief Program Coordinator with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, will give an update on FWC’s efforts to restore the oyster bars and revive the fishery for the benefit of oysters and oyster harvesters. FWC has received funds to restore the oyster reefs but must first conduct a pilot study this spring to prove to funders that restoration methods are sound.

To register for the virtual workshop, go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2918905838271626845. After registering, you’ll get a confirmation email about joining the event.