Turtle Bay reef restoration aims to reverse decades of damage

TURTLE BAY, Fla. (WINK)—A massive pile of oyster shells is being planted into the water to create an oyster reef, with each oyster filtering about 50 gallons of water a day.

Out on the water, restoration has a rhythm. Scoop, lift, dump, then wait for nature to take it from there.

A closer look reveals what happens once these recycled oyster shells settle in. Jimmy Michaels with Coastal Conservation Association says they become prime real estate for marine life.

"It's inhabited by fish, crabs, all types of marine life," Michaels said. "The birds were out here earlier when we pulled in, grabbing bait off the bar, so it's definitely teeming with life."

The benefits don't stop there. Michaels pointed out another sign of recovery that has emerged in recent years.

"That's one thing that I didn't mention that has come back in the last couple years, is all the sea grass around the bar," Michaels said.

• RELATED: Florida oyster farm produces 200,000 oysters while restoring reefs

All of this work aims to restore something that once thrived in Turtle Bay. Michaels explained the area's history and why restoration became necessary.

"This was open to oystering, but it got depleted for recreational use," Michaels said.

For years, oyster shells were hauled away for restaurants, agriculture and even driveways. The restoration project is designed to reverse that damage, though patience is required.

"The immediate impacts are going to be a little bit down the road," Michaels said. "We need to get to growth to populate on with the oyster bar that's being put down today."

The science behind the project is simple. The calcium carbonate in the shell attracts new oyster growth, essentially putting material back in to grow more.

After some time in the water, the oysters transform with all new life and growth. This marks the sixth oyster restoration project in the area, but it won't be the last.

Crews will return next year to dump more recycled oysters back into the bay, continuing the effort to restore Turtle Bay's marine ecosystem.