Delaware Center for the Inland Bays Relaunches Oyster Gardening Program

The Delaware Center for the Inland Bays has brought back its Oyster Gardening Program, giving waterfront residents a chance to support oyster restoration efforts. (Photo courtesy of The Delaware Center for the Inland Bays.)

The Delaware Center for the Inland Bays is bringing back its Oyster Gardening Program, giving waterfront residents throughout the Inland Bays watershed an opportunity to help support the restoration of one of Delaware’s native species.

The program, originally launched in 2003, was created to explore whether oysters could be successfully grown in the Inland Bays. After meeting those initial goals, the program is returning and will now be sustained through community support and donations.

The Oyster Gardening Program allows year-round waterfront residents to grow hatchery-raised Eastern oysters from their personal or community docks. The oyster larvae used in the program are provided by Ed Hale at the University of Delaware’s private oyster hatchery.

Participants will raise juvenile oysters using equipment and guidance provided by the Center. Once mature, the oysters will release larvae into the Bays’ waters with the goal of helping produce wild oysters.

The oysters grown through the program are not for human consumption. If a gardener is no longer able to care for their oysters, the Center will collect them and use them in restoration projects throughout the Inland Bays.

The program also provides an opportunity for residents to learn more about the role oysters play in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Oyster gardens create small habitats that can support a variety of marine life, including fish, crabs, shrimp, terrapin and other wildlife.

Participation in the program is limited, with a select number of oyster gardening cages available this season. Each oyster garden costs $50 to cover supplies. Participants can also make an additional donation and join the Pearl Society, which includes exclusive member benefits.

Those interested in becoming an Oyster Gardener can apply through the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays website. Questions can be directed to Megan Frady at mfrady@inlandbays.org.