The New FoBB Oyster Reef
Oyster reefs are highly beneficially structures to the marine ecosystem, providing an abundance of water filtration and improved quality, shoreline protection by acting as living breakwaters against erosion, and refuge for a multitude of species. Since oysters are a keystone species, their plentiful presence in the form of oyster reefs increase biodiversity, habitat support, and overall ecosystem health.
Diagram of the oyster reef in Bellport Bay.
In 2024, the FoBB team began construction of Bellport Bay's first three-dimensional oyster reef. The permit application process, a 2.5 year pursuit, was completed by Katia Read (Co-Founder & Chair) and Gregg Rivara (of CCESC). Upon completing the permitting process, FoBB obtained a license to operate from the US Army Corps of Engineers, the NYSDOS, the NYSDEC, and the Town of Brookhaven.
Construction of the reef began in September 2024, in collaboration with volunteers from Seatuck's Half Shells for Habitat program. Curated shell recycled from local restaurants was also donated by Seatuck, and placed into biodegradable mesh bags, secured around the reef perimeter by Gregg Rivara & the FoBB team.
Copy of reef permit and license granted by the NYSDEC.
Wide view of “Reef A” location.
On top: Close up view of “Reef A” Location.
On bottom: “Reef A” construction profile.
During the 2025 season, FoBB (in collaboration with CCESC & Seatuck) laid down approximately 1,500 lbs of recycled shell to create the reef foundation. This foundation, upon which Spat-on-Shell ("SOS") oysters are added, prevents the burial of the bottom oysters from those layered above them.
Throughout Summer 2025, CCESC & the FoBB team delivered and deployed 200 cubic feet of SOS oysters (approximately 1,000,000 shellfish) into the Bay. 750,000 oysters were planted into the reef, and the additional 250,000 were planted into the Protected Shellfish Sanctuary (owned by the Town of Brookhaven & managed by FoBB).
FoBB and Seatuck team members collecting and deploying recycled shell to be used to create a foundation for “Reef A” - May 2025.
Team members from Seatuck Enviromental, CCESC and FoBB gathering before the deployment of recycled shell onto the reef site.
Locating and marking the reef perimeter, and transporting SOS from land to boat.
FoBB Co-Founder, Katia Read (left), and CCESC team members enjoying the ride out to “Reef A” before the hard work begins.
Image taken from shore of SOS deployment onto reef.
FoBB Co founder, Thomas Schultz, in the water helping to move trays of SOS from the boat to the reef site.
FoBB and CCESC team members adding SOS to the reef site.
Divers from CCESC inspecting and collecting samples from the reef site - August 2025.
Close up underwater image of “Reef A” - October 2025.
2024 image of the Bay bottom in the management area outside of the reef site.