San Francisco Eelgrass and Oyster Restoration Projects

San Francisco Bay is North America’s most biologically rich estuary.  Eelgrass and oysters are important foundational species in the San Francisco Bay.  Eelgrass beds provide food, shelter, and spawning grounds for a diverse assemblage of native species, including economically-significant fisheries such as Pacific herring.  Native oysters are also an important  species in the Bay and help to improve water quality. These valuable resources have, however, suffered degradation in San Francisco Bay due largely to the impacts of development.

The  San Francisco Eelgrass and Oyster Restoration projects were designed to improve scientific understanding of restoration techniques for valuable shallow subtidal habitats.  These projects were supported by numerous partners, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the California State Coastal Conservancy, the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission, the California Department of Fish and Game, San Francisco State University, the Romberg Tiburon Center, the Bodega Marine Laboratory of the University of California at Davis, Save the Bay, Audubon Center, the Marine Science Institute, and the Marin Rod and Gun Club.The results of these projects will directly feed into the San Francisco Bay Subtidal Habitat Goals Project and long-term vision for restoration in San Francisco Bay.

Eelgrass Restoration Project

This project included identifying suitable restoration site locations, and designing and testing appropriate restoration methodologies and techniques via pilot projects.  Results were incorporated into the San Francisco Bay Subtidal Habitat Goals Project Report as an appendix – Eelgrass Conservation and Restoration in San Francisco Bay: Opportunities and Constraints.

Native Oyster Restoration Project

This project included surveying oyster distribution, collecting data on diseases and predators, and developing a baywide restoration plan.  Results were incorporated into the Shellfish Conservation and Restoration in San Francisco Bay: Opportunities and Constraints for the San Francisco Bay Subtidal Goals Project and summarized in the following final report, Planning for Native Oyster Restoration in San Francisco Bay.

Council Documents

OPC Staff Recommendation (June 2005)