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The Mapping Services provided herein are for reference only. The user of this information understands and acknowledges that the map data may be inaccurate or contain errors or omissions, and the user assumes full responsibility for any risks or damages resulting from any use of or reliance upon these data. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Center for Coastal Resources Management (CCRM) at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), and their Agents or Affiliates do not guarantee the accuracy or reliability of the data generated from this service.

The use of the mapping tool is strongly encouraged for preliminary planning purposes; however, its use does not guarantee the approval of any authorization or shoreline project.

This project has been funded wholly by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), NOAA Fisheries, Office of Habitat Conservation, Chesapeake Bay Office. The contents of this tool do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of NOAA, nor does NOAA endorse trade names or recommend the use of commercial products mentioned in this web interface.

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Nearshore Oyster Restoration Siting and Prioritization Tool


Display Habitat Area Rankings

Suitable areas were scored based on 13 parameters and overall rankings were generated from these scores.

Choose from the list below to display ranking across all suitable habitat area.

Click on the Legend button to view color keys.

Choose scoring layer... NOAA Overall Score VMRC Overall Score Accessibility Rank Conservation Priority Rank Demographic Index Rank Environmental Justice Rank Erosion Rank Marsh Migration Rank Oyster Project Proximity Rank Project Size Rank Proximal Wetland Rank Public Land Rank Recreational Potential Rank SAV Rank Substrate Rank

Turn on wave attenuation layer to view wave attenuation values.

Filter Suitable Habitat Areas

 Clear All Filters

Choose a filter to change the visible suitable habitat areas.
Note: Filter applies only to the suitable habitat areas and does not apply to the Priority Rankings layers.

This site is designed for use on desktop computers. Please enlarge your browser window for this site to work.
Oyster Icon
Putting loose oyster shell in biodegradable bags is one approach to reduce settling, scattering and siltation of the shell reef. Putting loose oyster shell in biodegradable bags is one approach to reduce settling, scattering and siltation of the shell reef.Bagged oyster shell reefs should be carefully monitored and broken bags removed from the marine environment.

Visit CCRM's Shell-Based Reefs page for more information.

Photo: CCRM
Interlocking units used for living shoreline reefs are modular and can be arranged in different ways depending on the site. Various manufactured products can be used to create an artificial reef foundation that supports the settlement and growth of shellfish. Individual units are typically placed close together similar to a stacked shell bag or marsh sill structure.

Examples of interlocking units include (but are not limited to):
Pre-cast concrete structures currently being used for living shoreline reefs include Oyster Castles® which are inter-locking blocks that can be arranged in different ways.
Oyster Castles
Oyster Castles are interlocking blocks typically cast in concrete.
Photo: CCRM
Natrx ExoForms
Natrx OysterBreak Systems
For more information, visit the Natrx web site. (Opens in a new window.)
Photo: Natrx

Grow Reef Tile
Grow Reef Tile (Grow Oyster Reefs LLC)
For more information, visit the Grow Reef Tile web site. (Opens in a new window.)
Photo: Grow Oyster Reefs LLC


Visit CCRM's Pre-Cast Reef Structures page for more information.
Oyster Reef Balls Reef Balls are another pre-cast concrete product being used to construct oyster restoration reefs and living shoreline reefs. Reef Balls are a pre-cast concrete used to construct oyster restoration reefs and living shoreline reefs. Various manufactured products can be used to create an artificial reef foundation that supports the settlement and growth of shellfish. Individual units are typically placed close together similar to a stacked shell bag or marsh sill structure.

Graphic depicting different sizes of oyster reef balls.
Reef Ball Sizes. Graphic adapted from the Reef Ball Foundation

Visit CCRM's Pre-Cast Reef Structures page for more information.

Photo: CCRM
Oyster iconStone can be used as a substrate for artificial reefs.
Photo: Army Corps of Engineers depositing stones in a restoration project in Harris Creek, Maryland.
Chart Icon
Site-level prioritization of suitable habitat areas is based on the combination of 13 parameters that allows users to investigate oyster suitable sites for specific restoration co-benefits.

Scores were calculated for each 1-meter square within suitable habitat areas in the Mobjack Bay study area.

Details about the ranking methods and parameter scoring and weighting are available in the Final Report (link coming soon).
 Oyster Icon
Details about study methods are available in the Final Report (link coming soon).
The Mapping Services provided herein are for reference only. The user of this information understands and acknowledges that the map data may be inaccurate or contain errors or omissions, and the user assumes full responsibility for any risks or damages resulting from any use of or reliance upon these data. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Center for Coastal Resources Management (CCRM) at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), and their Agents or Affiliates do not guarantee the accuracy or reliability of the data generated from this service.

The use of the mapping tool is strongly encouraged for preliminary planning purposes; however, its use does not guarantee the approval of any authorization or shoreline project.

This project has been funded wholly by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), NOAA Fisheries, Office of Habitat Conservation, Chesapeake Bay Office. The contents of this tool do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of NOAA, nor does NOAA endorse trade names or recommend the use of commercial products mentioned in this web interface.