Habitat: Oyster Reefs, Grasses, Water & More

The third episode of A Chesapeake Perspective will explore the health of Chesapeake Bay habitat, the importance of oyster reefs, underwater grasses, water quality, and the conservation and restoration work underway to support healthy fisheries and ecosystems. Join us live Thursday, November 5 at 6pm with special guests with Julie Luecke of Chesapeake Bay Foundation, David Sikorski of CCA Maryland, and Tom Parham of Maryland Department of Natural Resources. 0:20 Introduction from Lenny Rudow 4:50 introduce David Sikorski from the coastal conservation association 8:30 introduce Julie Lickie from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation 15:22 introduce Tom Parham of the maryland dnr 24:00 discussion of mari reef sites 26:36 audience questions begin 45:35 discussion of reef ball builds and cca habitat restoration 53:40 discussion of Patricia Campbell 1:04:00 discussion of eyes on the bay 1:20 discussion fo oyster reproduction 1:37:40 contact information and logos of habitat restoration groups Habitat in the Chesapeake Bay, especially oyster reefs, has been degraded for centuries. Today there's a real push to restore lost and destroyed habitat and in areas where it's been successfully done there's been a huge increase in wildlife. The return of keeper sized croaker and spot along with weakfish and silver perch in the South River is one example. Restored oyster bars there, protected from harvest by declaring portions of the river an oyster sanctuary, have had a huge effect. Other oyster sanctuaries in Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries have been scientifically demonstrated to increase populations dramatically, not only in the sanctuaries themselves, but also in surrounding areas. The discussion will bring together perspectives from recreational fishing, habitat restoration, advocacy, and scientific monitoring. We highlight both the current condition of Chesapeake habitat and the organizations and partnerships working to improve it. The Chesapeake Perspective series is presented by the Coastal Conservation Association of Maryland. CCA MD and FishTalk Magazine work together to bring the series to viewers who are anglers focused on Chesapeake Bay fishing and related topics.