Gulf Regional Oyster Network

Volunteers build an oyster reef from recycled oyster shells (Photo: Galveston Bay Foundation)

Established through NOAA with funding, the GRO is a first-of-its-kind initiative in the region aimed at growing and improving efforts to recycle oyster shells and implement oyster habitat restoration.

Our vision for GRO is to create a strong, diverse network of organizations with skills and experience in oyster shell recycling and reef restoration and provide a learning network that can serve to expand this critical work throughout the Gulf and the US. The total award for the project is $4.9 million.

The Network will operate within three pillars: 1) Inclusive Growth 2) Expand Existing Programs 3) Regional Knowledge Exchange.

Of course, we couldn’t take on a project of this magnitude and importance on our own, so we’ve partnered with five established, highly respected organizations working in the Gulf: Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, Galveston Bay Foundation, Tampa Bay Watch, Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program, and the Alabama Coastal Foundation.

The GRO will consist of four primary initiatives:

Oyster Shell Recycling and Restoration
Meaningful Engagement
Learning Exchange
Impact Monitoring