The Galveston Bay Foundation has finished a multi-partner restoration project in Jones Bay, creating nesting islands for American oystercatchers and rebuilding oyster reefs using funds from the BP Deepwater Horizon settlement.
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The Galveston Bay Foundation has successfully wrapped up a restoration initiative in Jones Bay, focusing on the reconstruction of bird nesting islands and oyster reefs. The goal of this effort is to strengthen coastal ecosystems and facilitate the recovery of American oystercatchers.
After years of meticulous planning, surveys, and permitting, the Jones Bay Oystercatcher Habitat Restoration Project near Tiki Island has successfully added one acre of elevated nesting islands and 1.4 acres of restored oyster reef.
Officials from the foundation announced that the initiative tackles long-standing issues of shoreline erosion, subsidence, and rising sea levels that have negatively impacted habitats throughout Galveston Bay.
“This project marks a significant milestone in Texas,” stated Sally Clark, the director of habitat restoration for the foundation. “This initiative will showcase the synergy between bird habitat preservation and reef restoration, highlighting their collective impact on enhancing coastal ecosystems.”
Approximately $4 million from the BP Deepwater Horizon settlement has been allocated to support the initiative, facilitated through the RESTORE Act and the Texas Trustee Implementation Group. In 2016, BP faced a monumental financial penalty of over $20 billion due to the 2010 oil spill, marking a pivotal chapter in the history of the oil and gas industry.
Once thriving in Galveston Bay, oyster reefs faced severe decline due to historical overharvesting, resulting in open waters that are now at risk from storm surges. Clark emphasized that the process of rebuilding them presents a range of advantages. “These structures play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of hurricanes and storm surges by dissipating wave energy and breaking them apart before they arrive at the shoreline,” she stated. “Restoring reefs means revitalizing a vital natural defense system.”
The ambitious restoration initiative has successfully established five islands, each meticulously crafted to entice at least one nesting pair of oystercatchers. The striking shorebird, known for its vivid orange bill, has seen a decline in the area, attributed to the erosion of small islands. During the breeding season, from April to May, large rocks serve as essential nesting surfaces.
Clark encouraged the community to appreciate the attractions from afar. “Our objective is to transform these locations into secure and thriving environments, and reducing human interference plays a crucial role in achieving that,” she stated.
The Galveston Bay Foundation is set to oversee the project for a duration of five years, focusing on the productivity of oyster reefs and the success of oystercatcher nesting. A coalition of partners came together, featuring the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Coastal Program, the Texas General Land Office, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Ducks Unlimited, the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, and Phillips 66, among others.
Clark emphasized that this effort is a continuation of extensive coastal restoration initiatives that have been developed over the years. “This is not the conclusion,” she stated. “Our commitment remains steadfast as we assess our achievements, draw insights from effective strategies, and strive to create a more robust Galveston Bay for future generations.”
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