BUZZBAIT
OYSTER REEFS ARE A NATURAL TREASURE THAT
KAYAK ANGLERS CAN EXPLORE AND RESTORE. PHOTO: AARON RUBEL
[CONSERVATION]
REEF MADNESS H
ow do you like your oysters? On the half-shell, steamed, roasted, grilled or fried? I like mine
served in mud and saltwater. As appetite for oys- ters grows, so do environmental concerns. In many areas, natural oyster reefs have shrunk to just one percent of their original size according to state natu- ral resource agencies. To reverse the costly effects of oyster depletion on the health of fish stocks, gov- ernment organizations across the country are work- ing with kayak anglers and other volunteers to re- build and restore these important living structures. In an effort to do my part, I got involved with
the 100–1000: Restore Coastal Alabama program. The goal is to foster 1,000 acres of sea grass and marsh in Mobile Bay by restoring 100 acres of oys- ter reef. My first opportunity to lend a hand came at the
Dog River reef site near Alligator Bayou, Alabama. And I literally lent a hand. A week before the event I slipped on the ice
(a foreign substance in Alabama!) and broke my wrist. Luckily, there are opportunities for volun- teers to participate regardless of physical ability. While the relay team transferred 16,000 heavy oyster bags from land into position on the reef, I worked behind the scenes registering volunteers, directing traffic and feeding 500 workers. Kayak anglers are in a unique position to help with reef restoration. “Oyster reef restoration proj-
26…KAYAK ANGLER
KAYAK ANGLERS ARE RESTORING OYSTER REEFS FOR FISH AND FISHERMEN
ects are as important as replanting trees after a harvest,” says Jorge Cancel, an officer of the Mobile Bay Kayak Fishing Association. He points out that many reefs are close to a public launch and best accessed by shallow-draft, non-invasive kayaks. “Kayakers can help create fishing areas that are less pressured and monitor their health, too,” he adds. The Alabama Coastal Foundation works with
that trap sand and give sea grasses a solid place to root. Casi Callaway, executive director of the vol- unteer conservation group Mobile Baykeepers, re- ports natural shoreline near Dog River and other locations in Mobile Bay improved seven percent in the first year after reef restoration. “The build up of sand associated with restored reefs gives sea grass a positive foundation to slow coastal erosion
Opportunities abound for kayak anglers to help oyster restoration projects. Look for a project near you to get involved.
user groups to foster education, cooperation and participation. Executive director Mark Berte relies on kayak anglers for help. “Whether we are build- ing a living shoreline, monitoring water quality or cleaning up reefs and shoreline, kayak anglers are instrumental in improving and protecting our coastal environment.” Another way kayak anglers can help oyster reefs
is by monitoring and reporting on shoreline ero- sion. Through training with the Restore Coastal Alabama program, volunteers can report on areas where erosion is a problem that could benefit from a reef restoration program. Volunteer involvement has already had positive results reversing erosion by rebuilding oyster reefs
and improve habitat,” Callaway explains. Oyster reef projects like these are popping up
all around the country—and kayak anglers are in a unique position to help monitor and restore this natural treasure. To get involved, contact your local natural resources department and hook up with a program in your area. After all, more habitat for fish is more habitat for fishermen. Aaron Rubel shares his fishing experiences
through Kayak Angler, PADDLING Magazine and his blog
Icastinayak.com. Just don’t ask him to share the location of his favorite oyster reef!
projects around the country. DIGITAL EXTRA: Click here for a list of oyster restoration
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