This restoration project is to address the natural resource injuries resulting from the oil spill, and restore the confidence of local communities and artisanal fishers by replenishing the oyster stock in the lagoon. It aims at returning degraded oyster habitats to their prior conditions and the construction of new oyster
habitats. As a result, this project will help to provide local communities with safe and reliable oyster sources, indirectly support job preservation in small-scale fisheries sector, improve livelihoods, and
mitigate the damage caused to the marine environment.
Native oysters would be collected by locally developed spat collectors and would be grown in locally
manufactured nursery baskets. The juvenile oysters would be grown to the required size in a closed circulation system at Petit Barachois Poudre d’or before transplantation to the affected area. Construction materials will include unconsolidated clean shell, bagged clean shell, bamboo containment
structures filled with loose or bagged oyster shell, or other similar materials. The oyster restoration project will incorporate outreach and hands-on participation of volunteers, who will actively participate in this restoration program. The project will sensitize the local communities about the benefits of healthy oyster population and create awareness about habitat protection and restoration, and preservation of
ocean health through community involvement. Thus, local communities will acquire grow-out techniques, develop sustainable practices and gain local knowledge of oyster culture.