Chesapeake Bay News

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Artificial Reef Program joined the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) on August 11 to place 306 oyster spat-laden reef balls on a two-acre site near Cooks Point in the Choptank River using CBF’s oyster research vessel Patricia Campbell.

Volunteers from CBF and the Dorchester County chapter of the Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen’s Association (MSSA) built the reef balls at the Oyster Restoration Center in Shady Side, Md. and at a private site on the Eastern Shore. West Marine and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provided grant support for building the reef balls and setting the spat.

Reef balls add three-dimensional structure and habitat for aquatic organisms such as mussels, oysters, tunicates, marine worms and myriad other species, which are vital components of the Chesapeake Bay’s food chain. Finfish species such as striped bass, flounder, croaker, spot, sea bass and others, then utilize these habitats for food and shelter.

For more information on Maryland’s artificial reef initiative, visit dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/reefs/ or the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s restoration efforts go to cbf.org

source: MD DNR

In November, the Maryland Artificial Reef Initiative (MARI) added additional concrete material to Dominion Reef at the Gooses, its second major construction operation at this site this year. In cooperation with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Maryland Charterboat Association, Weeks Marine used crane barges to deploy the concrete, supplied from a local reconstruction project, on November 5.

“The Dominion Reef at the Gooses represents a valuable opportunity to enhance the habitat of a site in the Chesapeake that has the potential to be a field of dreams for myriad species — including mussels, oysters, crabs, striped bass and other types of finfish,” said DNR Fisheries Service Director Tom O’Connell. “These ecological benefits will translate into economic benefits for many bay fishing communities, including Chesapeake Beach, Deale, Solomons, Tilghman and Kent Island.”

MARI was established in 2007 to raise funds for marine habitat enhancement projects across Maryland. With over 50 partners, MARI has built four artificial reefs using more than 80,000 tons of recycled concrete from the demolition of the old Woodrow Wilson Bridge in Washington, D.C.

Dominion Reef at the Gooses was christened in 2007 as part of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge project. It is MARI’s largest project to date. The project was named after the Dominion Foundation, the largest corporate sponsor, which provided a total of $275,000 toward the mission. In July of this year, a water quality monitoring data buoy funded by Dominion was placed on the reef along with the initial batch of new reef material from the reconstruction of the Dominion LNG gas dock near Calvert Cliffs.

The entire site, approximately 360 acres, includes 50 acres of recycled concrete. The project has the overwhelming support of the public, local businesses, conservation groups, state agencies and recreational anglers.

source: DNR

The Maryland Artificial Reef Initiative celebrates completion of “Dominion Reef at the Gooses,” an 80-acre reef made from concrete from the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.

A water cannon will be used to disperse more than 70 tons of oyster shell and brood oysters to help establish an ecosystem on the newly created artificial reef. Media will be able to shoot and photograph the event from a large, comfortable boat that will make the trip to the reef.

Placement of concrete sections from the old Woodrow Wilson Bridge will create deep water artificial reefs that provide excellent habitat for benthic organisms and fish.

The event will occur on Friday, March 28 at 10:15 a.m.
The boat departs from Chesapeake Beach for the reef.
Please call 804-771-6115 to confirm attendance and ensure a seat on the boat.

The location of the boat departure is:

Chesapeake Beach Resort and Spa
4165 Mears Avenue
Chesapeake Beach, MD (Calvert County)

Attending will be Maryland Secretary of Natural Resources John R. Griffin and Dominion Vice President Pamela Faggert