Be a volunteer monitoring oyster reefs in northwest Florida
The Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Restoration Program of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is still seeking volunteers, including college students, to join us this October in work on the Oyster Reef Habitat Restoration project in St. Andrew Bay, located in Bay County in northwest Florida. This project, funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, is designed to restore over 4 acres of oyster reef habitat and foster the recovery of over 200 acres of seagrass habitat. The goals of this effort include enhancing the local oyster population and creating fisheries habitat. The improved oyster population also should improve water clarity and quality in the bay.
Volunteer opportunities
You will help FWC staff to examine oyster reef monitoring units placed next to the reefs last fall. You will help collect and record information that will give us an idea of oyster reef health, including oyster density and size, and occurrence of associated species. Volunteers will not be required to swim. You can still choose to volunteer on these days: October 9, 11, 12, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25 and 26.
Where and when?
The time slots for these volunteer opportunities are 9 AM – 3 PM. Please set aside the entire time. While it is possible to bring someone back to the dock early, this will affect our time on the water. For every date listed, FWC staff with meet you and other volunteers at B.V. Buchanan Park and Public Boat Ramp, https://www.theonlinefisherman.com/florida-boat-ramps/bv-buchanan-park-and-public-boat-ramp, at 8:45 a.m. so we can leave promptly at 9 a.m. We will return to the boat ramp at 3 p.m. What should you bring? Water, lunch, closed-toe water shoes (or shoes you don’t mind getting wet), sunscreen and also a mask and snorkel if you have them. Work gloves will be provided.
How do I sign up?
Please sign up for a specific time slot at: http://signup.com/go/qYUCpCV
Review the options and choose the spot(s) you like.
Sign up! It’s Easy – you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.com.
Questions? Please contact (850) 510-9036.
