Resource Management
Resource managers have been particularly concerned over the population decline of oysters in the Great Bay/Piscataqua River estuarine system. In similar fashion to other regions, MSX has been responsible for major dieoffs in New Hampshire oysters, with the first documented kill occurring mainly in the Piscataqua River in 1995. At present, there are less than 10 major reefs in the estuarine system, with the largest totaling approximately 35 acres (0.14 km2), and total oyster population size has been reduced to less than 10% of what is was in 1993. In 2000, the New Hampshire Estuaries Project published a management plan for Great Bay that included maintaining healthy shellfish populations and habitats as a high priority. This also included the goal of restoring 20 acres (~2 km2) of oyster reefs by the year 2010.

Research on restoration of oyster habitat in the Great Bay/Piscataqua River has centered upon several research projects, with the common goal of determining the most effective restoration techniques, including reseeding known reef areas with young oysters (see Current Reef Restoration Projects). Oysters for these projects are grown on a substrate called cultch (usually oyster shells) in mesh bags in large setting tanks. Projects have included transplanting oysters grown from disease-resistant larvae as well as fast-growth, native larvae that are spawned from Maine oysters that have not succumbed to disease. Additionally, native oysters have been collected and transplanted to depleted reef areas. Projects have also focused on testing different types of cultch in Great Bay to use for reef restoration. The newest experiments examine how oyster reef size affects the success of the reefs and natural larvae settlement on and among the experimental reefs.

Overall, local restoration projects haves been met with both successes and stumbling blocks. A percentage of oysters from all projects have already been affected by disease, while others remain healthy. Oyster reefs that have been constructed previously will continue to be monitored each year for survival and disease. We are continuing to learn more about the most effective restoration techniques for the Great Bay/Piscataqua River system with each project and will continue reseeding efforts with two new projects beginning this summer. Oysters are a valuable ecological resource and important cultural component of life in the seacoast region of New Hampshire. Protecting this treasured natural resource with sustainable recreational harvesting and sound environmental practices will ensure that oysters remain a fundamental part of the local ecosystem.

References
NHEP Environmental Indicator Report: Shellfish. 2005.
(Click here to download the .PDF)
The State of the New Hampshire's Estuaries. New Hampshire Estuaries Project. 2000.
(Click here to download the .PDF)
Shellfish Spotlight. New Hampshire Estuaries Project. 2005.
(Click here to download the .PDF)