Spat Collector Placement

On Saturday our dive team went into Boston Harbor to place a spat collector to see if we might get reproduction.

Oyster reproduction begins at ~68degrees f. Oysters spawn with the female releasing eggs into the water and the male releasing sperm. Within about six hours, a fertilized egg develops into a free-swimming larva that will develop a shell within 12 to 24 hours. Within a few weeks, the shelled larva develops a foot and settles to the bottom of the water, attaching itself to a hard surface--usually the shell of an adult oyster--to enter into metamorphoses into the form that would be recognized as an oyster.

Here is a link to the full web photo album.Spat Collector Photo Album

Oysters usually start life as males and then will convert to females. We do not know if we have enough females in our population to get a successful set. We are placing an apparatus that is coated with a cement mixture that is high in lime. The floating spat are attracted to it and tend to settle on it.

Let's hope for the best!

MWRA Progress on CS0s-- Meeting with DMF on Fort Point Channel

Recently we came across the 2009 report on the MWRA's effort to close Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs). It is impressive to see the tremendous progress that has been made in this ongoing effort. You can see the report by clicking on this link. 2009 MWRA CSO report

Last week Mat Brevard and I met with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries to discuss a proposal to raise oysters in an upweller for distribution in the much neglected Fort Point Channel. The dialog was both in depth and productive. Unfortunately there remain some concerns on the DMF-side that will lead us to rethink our strategy for Fort Point Channel. The meeting ended with us agreeing to submit a more detailed proposal on Fort Point Channel.

Thank you for your support Treasure Bay Designs! You may recall that this independent jewelry maker is producing a special MOP bracelet to help fund Oyster Restoration. They have sold 28 to date. In case you missed the posting. Below is a photo and to contact Treasure Bay visit this link.Treasure Bay Designs

The bracelet consists of fresh water pearls with one chalcedony bead in honor of fresh water.