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Advisory board hears FGCU updates on oyster reefs, mangrove restoration and artificial reefs
Summary
The Water School described oyster-reef and mangrove restoration in Estero Bay, monitoring of an artificial reef off Fort Myers Beach donated by Old Castle, and how nature-based solutions can support shoreline stability and water quality.
At the meeting Dr. Molly Nation highlighted habitat-restoration projects the Water School is monitoring, including oyster-reef restoration in Estero Bay and mangrove movement strategies to adapt to changing sea levels. "Oysters do wonderful things to improve water quality," Nation said, noting the value of reefs and mangroves as living infrastructure to stabilize coastline and remove nutrients.
Nation also described a monitored artificial reef (donated by Old Castle) off Fort Myers Beach used for benthic ecology studies. She explained that some artificial-reef approaches were discontinued due to EPA concerns about paint on materials but that active restoration and approved substrate-based reefs in Estero Bay are ongoing. Board members discussed how these nature-based approaches could be integrated into local shoreline projects and monitoring plans.
