Vertical oyster gardens (VOGs) are made of recycled oyster shell from local restaurants, and are suspended from docks to create a hard substrate to which juvenile oysters can attach and develop. Vertical oyster gardens, oyster reef balls, and oyster shell bags are methods developed by Tampa Bay Watch for creating oyster habitat. Oysters are a food source for birds and fish. Many small fish, crabs, shrimp and other critters live among the oysters and provide food for large fish and wildlife. Oysters are natural filters, cleaning up to 2-5 gallons of water per hour. More oysters mean a cleaner bay!
VOGs are currently available only to Tampa Bay Watch members.
Email Celeste Ablin with questions about this program: cablin@tampabaywatch.org
Cover image credit: Dawson Green