Brevard Zoo Conservation Report 2016 | Page 23

Oyster Mats Starting in 2010 We partnered with Dr. Linda Walters of the University of Central Florida (UCF) and The Nature Conservancy in an effort to repair damaged oyster reefs in the northern portion of the lagoon using scientifically designed oyster mats. The mats act as a home to free-swimming oyster larvae. Community volunteers concerned with the lagoon's health help by making and deploying mats. Gallery Volunteer Oyster Gardening Starting in 2014 The Zoo, Brevard County and UCF kicked off the oyster gardening program with a goal of reintroducing live juvenile oysters to parts of Brevard where populations had been lost. These dedicated volunteers grow oysters from their docks while monitoring variables that affect growth and survival. This data determines the best sites for building new restoration reefs! Gallery Volunteer 22