2nd Annual
DYC Oyster Gardening Workshop
presented by
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Tuesday 26 June 2018
Location: DYC Dockhouse
Registration Starts: 1700
Workshop Starts: 1715
Swapping Oysters in cages: 1800 - 1900
Why Oysters at DYC
Everyone mooring a boat in the waters of Machodoc Creek has seen the lack of water clarity and rapid marine growth on boat bottoms. Oysters improve water clarity by filtering up to 50 gallons of water a day (per oyster). They provide habitat for small fish, other shellfish and plants. Re- establishing a local self-sustaining oyster bar will be initiated by this DYC effort to grow oysters. When large enough (after one year) they will be placed in locations around the NSASP shore that have good conditions for permanent colonies. If the venture is successful DYC will continue to grow new groups in future years to add to the beds. This is an opportunity for DYC to improve the marine environment around our shore and docks and help the Potomac River recover from years of continuing over harvesting and abuse. DYC, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and NSASP Dahlgren will all be contributing to this effort.
Oyster Workshop
An Oyster Workshop will be held on Tuesday 26 June at 1700 at the DYC. This is a no cost workshop provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, presented by an Oyster gardening expert. (of course, donations to CBF are always accepted). The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is donating the cages and initial oyster spat to assist in seeing if an oyster colony can be successfully re-established in our creek. Clubhouse Topics to be covered in the workshop include:
- 30 minute presentation by Heather North summarizing Chesapeake Bay Foundation's oyster reclamation programs.
- Basic steps for successful Oyster gardening at Dahlgren Yacht Club pier.
- Questions and answers
Swapping out the Oysters Hanging at DYC Pier after the workshop.
After the workshop we will be removing last years Oysters from the cages under the outboard end of the DYC pier and placing new Oyster spat in the cages. The Oysters will be future breeding stock for the purpose of re-establishing an oyster bed in Upper Machodoc Creek. The intention is to start an oyster reef in the creek with the oysters grown last year. The oyster baskets are installed under the T section of the dock in a manner that will keep them out of harm’s way.
Follow-on Oyster Maintenance
After cage placement, there is a two to three week periodic cleaning cycle that will be performed on the oyster cages by club volunteers. You can sign up to volunteer by attending the workshop or by contacting the BOG () at anytime to join in the effort.