In 2011, the Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnership (SARP) and the NOAA Restoration Center are investing over $200,000 in four aquatic habitat restoration projects in the southeastern U.S.  Through these projects, shorelines along the south Atlantic coast will be enhanced or restored by planting native wetland and aquatic plants and establishing or repairing oyster reefs. Oyster reef restoration reduces the erosion-causing force of wave action along the shoreline while providing habitat for many species of fish, as well as oysters.  Two of the four projects are located within municipalities, incorporating wetlands and natural shorelines into local growth and development. These projects will encourage local communities and state agencies to work together to restore habitat, not only benefitting fish and wildlife, but also creating a stewardship ethic for future generations. Over the long term, the projects will also help the partnership achieve its long term goal to promote, facilitate, and implement cooperative habitat conservation and restoration in the southeast while supporting efforts of the National Fish Habitat Action Plan (NFHAP), which nationally coordinates and supports regionally-based fisheries protection, restoration, and enhancement.  SARP is one of the first recognized NFHAP partnerships. 

The projects are:

• Community-based and larger-scale oyster restoration in ACE Basin NERR, South Carolina, led by South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
• Ulele Spring Restoration Project in Tampa, FL, led by the Ecosphere Restoration Institute, Inc.
• Port Orange Living Shoreline Restoration along the Halifax River in Port Orange, FL, led by the Marine Discovery Center
• Restoring Intertidal Oyster Reefs in Mosquito Lagoon in Canaveral National Seashores, led by the Brevard Zoo.

For information about specific projects, contact the partnership's Program Administrator, Marilyn Barrett-O'Leary at 225-892-7470 or marilyno@southeastaquatics.net.