The Patuxent River Chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association Maryland completed the final phase of its first oyster restoration project last weekend by transferring more than 31,000 adult-sized oysters to a sanctuary on Hellen Creek in Calvert County. The oysters had been grown at the St. Thomas Creek Oyster Company, owned by Bob Parkinson, on St. Marys County’s St. Thomas Creek.

Additionally, approximately 19,000 oysters were moved from homeowner’s piers in Hellen Creek to the sanctuary.
 “This weekend’s work was the culmination of a two-year effort that brought together recreational anglers, homeowners concerned with marine resources,  aquaculturists and local businessmen to help cleanse water in the Patuxent River watershed,” said Scott McGuire, chapter president. “More than 900 volunteer hours went into the work in Hellen and St. Thomas Creeks.”

The oysters grown in St. Thomas Creek were provided by two local aquaculturists—Jon Farrington, Johnny Oyster Seed Company, and Richard Pelz, Circle C Oyster Ranchers’ Association— and were transferred to the sanctuary on a barge provided by Magnum Boat Lifts.

This cooperative project is a great example of the difference that can be made in marine resources when various groups come together,” McGuire said. “As adults, each of the oysters will filter up to 50 gallons of water a day, ridding the water of harmful sediments and algae. Potentially, they will benefit the Patuxent watershed and everyone who uses it for years to come.”

The oysters at St. Thomas Oyster Company were placed in floats March 2008 and the Hellen Creek oysters were placed in floats in July, 2008, at the piers of 27 homeowners. CCA volunteers and homeowners flipped the floats every three weeks during the summer to eliminate algae.

In the two years of its oyster restoration work, the Patuxent River Chapter has distributed more than 1.5 million oysters in St. Mary’s and Calvert Counties and is looking for property owners on creeks who would like to participate in the continuing project. McGuire can be reached at PatuxentRiver@ccamd.org