• Local Produce
  • Buy Local
  • Local Seafood
  • Local Food
  • Local Music
  • Local Art
  • Local Churches

CAPE CHARLES MIRROR

Reflections on Cape Charles and the Eastern Shore

  • Local Services
  • Local Rentals
  • Local Employment
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Classifieds
  • Pets
  • Contact Us
  • Rant and Rave
  • Asses&Villains

Research Explores Whether Satellites Can “See” Benefits of Oyster Restoration

February 20, 2022 by Leave a Comment

NOAA – Scientists have long understood that having more oysters in the water means cleaner water. That’s because oysters are filter feeders, so they remove particles from the water as they eat. Removing particles leads to clearer water. Recently, scientists at the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office wondered: Are we restoring oysters at a scale where the effects of restored reefs can be measured? Can satellites help us measure those changes? 

Working with a colleague from NOAA Satellites, they explored those questions. Their findings have been published in the NOAA Fisheries Technical Memorandum, “Using Satellite-Derived Total Suspended Matter Data to Evaluate the Impacts of Tributary-Scale Oyster Restoration on Water Clarity.”

While in-water studies have measured clearer water over restored reefs, using satellites was a new method. Satellite data also let scientists look at the question at a much larger scale. 

Satellites can track water clarity by remotely sensing how much matter is suspended in the water. The researchers used these suspended matter measurements from satellites to determine whether any changes in water clarity could be linked to large-scale oyster restoration. 

The scientists found that the satellite data helped them identify trends, and that the mature restored reefs were partially responsible for clearer water. The scientists are eager to learn more about other reasons for the clearer water. How much of the increased water clarity was due to increased oyster biomass? Did the geographic location affect changes in water clarity? What kind of oyster management was used in that area? Or perhaps some other variable? 

The researchers are intrigued by these questions. Harris Creek has high oyster abundance and has experienced a decrease in total suspended matter. It will be a great place for scientists to investigate these questions in the future. That information will help us better understand the benefits of large-scale oyster restoration.

Filed Under: Bottom, News

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Search

Join the Conversation!

Send letters, opinion, goings on or photos to capecharlesmirror@gmail.com

Mirrors

Recent Comments

  • Paul Plante on Cape Charles Businesses Rock the Best of Virginia Readers Survey
  • bd on Does Cape Charles need a Cart Narc?
  • Stuart Bell on Asses&Villains: Roe vs. Wade Edition
  • Stuart Bell on Asses&Villains: Roe vs. Wade Edition
  • Christine Parks on Virginia to Receive More Than $20 Billion for Bridge Replacement Program, Appalachian Development Highway System
  • Doug Luther on Cape Charles Businesses Rock the Best of Virginia Readers Survey
  • Blue Hoss on Does Cape Charles need a Cart Narc?
  • DJ Stupid Birthday on Does Cape Charles need a Cart Narc?
  • Jacob on Asses&Villains: Baby Formula edition
  • Paul Plante on Asses&Villains: Baby Formula edition
  • Steve on Virginia to Receive More Than $20 Billion for Bridge Replacement Program, Appalachian Development Highway System
  • Paul Plante on Does Cape Charles need a Cart Narc?
  • Paul Plante on Asses&Villains: Baby Formula edition
  • Paul Plante on Asses&Villains: Roe vs. Wade Edition
  • Hank Mayer on Virginia to Receive More Than $20 Billion for Bridge Replacement Program, Appalachian Development Highway System
  • Brand on Does Cape Charles need a Cart Narc?
  • Daniel Burke on Does Cape Charles need a Cart Narc?
  • Jason on Does Cape Charles need a Cart Narc?
  • Brian Collins on Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission will monitor Rockfish every year
  • Bob on Does Cape Charles need a Cart Narc?

Trending Now

  • List Of Clinton Associates Who Allegedly Died Mysteriously Or Committed Suicide Before Testimony
  • Does Cape Charles need a Cart Narc?
  • Op-Ed: Compare George Orwell's 1984 to Society Today
  • Cape Charles Police Stats for April 2022
  • Letter: Removal of Tourist Cottages Northampton County Zoning Ordinance
  • Cape Charles Businesses Rock the Best of Virginia Readers Survey
  • Central Park Concert Calendar 2022
  • Virginia's Recreational Fishing Regulations For Marine Waters
  • Asses&Villains: Baby Formula edition
  • Did Mary Give Consent to Have the Baby Jesus?

Subscribe to CC Mirror via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe

Copyright © 2022 · News Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in