News Summary
Beaufort County has initiated its annual oyster shell reseeding project, aimed at preserving local oyster populations. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is leading efforts at several boat landings, including The Sands, Broad River, and Chechessee Landings. Reseeding activities will take place over the weeks from April to May, with minimal disruption to public access. The project supports reef restoration, promoting healthier nurseries for juvenile oysters. Residents can contact County Public Works for further details.
Beaufort County is currently undergoing its annual oyster shell reseeding, a crucial environmental effort that is expected to last for several weeks.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) is spearheading this initiative, which affects several popular boat landings, including:
- The Sands Boat Landing in Port Royal
- Broad River Boat Landing in Beaufort
- Edgar Glenn Boat Landing/Chechessee Landing in Okatie
The reseeding began on April 16 at The Sands Boat Landing and will conclude there on May 2. Following this, reseeding activities will continue:
- Broad River Boat Landing: May 12 to May 15
- Chechessee Landing: May 19 to May 21
Although the boat landings will remain open to the public, residents should expect increased truck and barge activity during this period. Notably:
- During the loading process at Chechessee Landing, a barge will occupy one ramp for approximately two hours.
- At least one ramp will still be available for public use during loading.
The reseeding initiative aims to protect vulnerable oyster populations by placing returned shells back into tidelands. These shells play a vital role in:
- Rebuilding reefs that serve as nurseries for baby oysters
- Providing optimal surfaces for juvenile oysters to attach
For further information, residents can reach out to County Public Works Director Bradley Harriott at 843-255-2740.
This announcement originally appeared on April 28, 2025.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Beaufort County Oyster Reseeding
- Savannah Business Journal: SCDNR County Boat Landings
- Wikipedia: Oysters
- Google Search: oyster reseeding
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Oyster
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