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Friends for Change © Disney

Volunteers are needed for an oyster reef restoration project in the Indian River Lagoon. Thousands have been working since 2005 to restore oyster reefs in Mosquito Lagoon off New Smyrna Beach. Volunteers make oyster shell mats made up of 36 oyster shells, attached vertically to a small mesh mat with zip ties. The mats are later attached to each other in the water, forming a large quilt-like structure.

Oyster mat-making opportunities: 

Mat-making is coordinated by the Brevard Zoo. See a schedule of upcoming mat-making opportunities or contact:

Jody Palmer
Brevard Zoo
Oyster Restoration Outreach Coordinator
8225 N. Wickham Rd.
Melbourne, FL 32940
(321) 254-9453 ext. 265
JPalmer@brevardzoo.org

Partnership Information:

The oyster reef restoration project is coordinated by The Nature Conservancy, University of Central Florida and Brevard Zoo and is currently funded through grants from the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program, TNC-NOAA Community-based Restoration Program, an award from Disney’s Friends for Change, USFWS and private funds. The restoration project was started with grant funds from the National Partnership between the NOAA Community Based Restoration Program and The Nature Conservancy and partners throughout the Indian River Lagoon. View a fact sheet about the oyster reef restoration project. 

Oyster Reef Restoration Partners:

Brevard County Parks and Recreation
Canaveral National Seashore Citizen volunteers
Disney Friends for Change
Florida Coastal Management Program
Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program
Marine Discovery Center
Marine Resources Council
Mosquito Lagoon Aquatic Preserve
NOAA's Community-based Restoration Program
Private donors
RRI Energy
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
St. John's River Water Management District
University of Central Florida
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Coastal Program
Volusia County Mosquito Control