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Project name:
Oyster Reef Restoration and Shoreline Protection in Vermilion Parish (#5005)
Project status: Complete
Grant Administrator:
Gulf of Mexico Foundation
(for NOAA)
Grantee:
Louisiana Wetlands Association
Project location: south shore Vermilion Bay, Louisiana
Grant period: Jan
1, 2006
to June 30, 2006
Grant amount:
$67,350
Land Ownership: Public
Lat/Long: N 29.39.991, W 92.08.105
Types of Habitat: oyster reef
Project leader: Wayne Touchet, president
Russell Gaspard, secretary
Louisiana Wetlands Association
505 Eaton Drive
Abbeville, LA 70510
Wayne phone: (337) 652-6155
Russell phone: (337) 893-2381
(337) 893-0182 fax
Russell email: ruslaur@bellsouth.net
Articles about project #5005:
Jan 8, 2006 - Coastal project aims to bring oysters back to Prien Point
Jan 26, 2006 - Vermilion group plans to build site to help marine life
Oct 21, 2006 - Reef rebuilding begins; project boosts coastal fisheries
CLICK ON MAP TO ENLARGE
Species Benefiting From Restoration:
- American oyster (Crassostrea virginica)
- Smooth cordgrass (Spartina patens)
- Speckled seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus)
Acres of Habitat To be Restored:
This project will restore 2 acres, including shoreline that is part of the state’s oldest wildlife refuge.
Project Summary:
The shoreline area that has been selected for the
oyster-restoration site is located on the southwest
shoreline of Vermilion Bay, along the east border of
the Louisiana State Wildlife Refuge at Lake Fearman.
The location is situated in a cove between Prien Point
and the canal opening in to the Wildlife Refuge.
Because of its physical location, the salinity level
is one of the highest in Vermilion Bay and prevailing
southeast winds tend to hold the high-salinity water
in the cove. The water bottom is smooth and very firm
and would easily sustain a shucked oyster reef
supported by rip-rap, while protecting the shoreline
from severe eroding.
Need for Project:
Since there is no
live-oyster harvesting in the Vermilion Bay system at
this time, the site chosen for this project is one of
the most likely locations for renewed oyster reef
restoration with successful results. Restoration of
oyster reefs would have positive environmental impacts
by re-establishing the natural habitat and enhancing
water quality through the biological filtration
process associated with oyster reefs. If the reef is
strategically constructed, adjacent shorelines
bordering the Wildlife Refuge will be protected from
erosion, and wave over-wash will deposit sediment and
help re-build the shoreline. This reef project would
utilize a rip-rap base topped with shucked oyster
shell.
On-The-Ground Activities:
- collect and stockpile shucked oyster shell, donated
by local and area processors and restaurants, as well
as donated concrete and other acceptable materials.
- Transport shucked shells by using several electric
lift trailers pulled by pick-up trucks.
- Contractors will haul concrete and rip-rap
materials to the Port site.
- Stockpiled shell and rip- rap will be loaded and
barged to the Prien Point and distributed
appropriately.
Monitoring and Long-Term Management:
Structural stability of the reef will be monitored
approximately every three months. Height and length
will be measured to determine whether the reef is
withstanding wave energy and whether attraction of
oyster spat is increasing the size of the reef.
Functional monitoring of the reef will be accomplished
by conducting creel surveys to determine nekton
diversity and average species abundance. If creel
surveys are difficult to perform consistently or with
statistical accuracy, the functional parameter of
sediment accretion will be monitored as a means of
determining the level of sediment that is trapped
behind the reef structure. This will be accomplished on
a three month basis as well.Community Involvement:
The overall membership of the LWA is more than 40
members representing business and professional men and
women, recreational fishermen, and environmentalists
including several experienced advisors from the
research and science arena. LWA works closely with and
supports the efforts of the local Coastal Advisory
committee. LWA members attend meetings on a regular
basis for guidance and updated information on Save
Americas Wetlands projects along the Louisiana coast.
LWA has provided wetland informational programs for the
Abbeville Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs, and conducts a
Louisiana Wetlands Month celebration in downtown
Abbeville in the spring. The LWA Wetlands Channel
newsletter reaches all members and advisors on a
monthly basis and communicates information in a timely
manner. The organization has also established the First
Annual Louisiana Fair and Festival over Labor Day
weekend that included fishing rodeos, crafts and
exhibits, and educational programs to disseminate
information regarding coastal erosion, restoration, and
projects undertaken by the Association.
LWA has developed a working relationship with the local
Harbor Board and Terminal Board of Directors and the
Vermilion Parish Police Jury and has consulted at
length with DNR, NOAA, and the Louisiana Department of
Wildlife and Fisheries. Local oyster processors and
restaurant owners have expressed their intention of
donating shucked shells to be stockpiled at the
Vermilion Port. Signage promoting shell recycling and
reef restoration will be displayed in participating
restaurants.
Activity Schedule:
Not listed
Project Partners:
-
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
-
Vermilion Parish Police Jury
Louisiana Department of Natural Resources
Gulf of Mexico Foundation
NOAA Community-based Restoration Program
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