After years of discouraging reports about the unhealthy state of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, it’s more than refreshing to learn of the innovative ways being used to address problems in the riparian zone. Living Shoreline programs have encouraged shore stabilization through a combination of native plantings and natural shore buildup. Now a particular kind of breakwater adds a waterside element to those efforts in the form of biogenic breakwater reefs — replacements for the natural oyster reefs that once rimmed the area’s shores to literally break the water, softening the wave action raised by storm winds or boat wakes to prevent the erosion of a vulnerable shore.
These breakwater reefs do more than help the shorelines, as the biogenic part of their description adds oysters to the mix. Biogenic is defined as produced by living organisms. The reef structures are built specifically to host oysters, and they are placed in protected areas, not to be harvested. Once oysters attach to the reef, the reef will grow. Layer upon layer of oysters will filter the water, thereby improving water clarity and quality in the tributary, bringing a benefit to all marine life. Additionally, oysters are broadcast spawners: they release eggs and sperm into the surrounding water. Fertilization occurs externally, so the reef oysters will help to increase the wild oyster population as well. The reef is even cost-effective. Perhaps most important, it provides a natural alternative to the use of rock breakwaters or riprap.
Reef line protecting marsh toe during intertidal wave action. The marsh grass holds the soil at mean high water during storms. courtesy of Ready Reef, Inc.
A number of organizations, both commercial and nonprofit, are involved in the manufacture and installation of biogenic reefs. Friends of the Rappahannock is a popular connection, as reef projects are naturally tied to the river. Richard Moncure is the Rappahannock River Steward and has been that official river friend since 2011. His concern for the river and his enthusiasm for new ideas are contagious, and he’s clearly passionate about the work of the organization. A few years ago at the Urbanna Oyster Festival, a lucky coincidence placed the Friends of the Rappahannock booth next to the Broadwater Concepts booth. Moncure met Darryl Nixon, who, it turned out, had designed a couple of the structures now called biogenic breakwater reefs. The Friends had previously described their shoreline planting programs as biogenic, and Nixon had used the term for his shoreline stabilizing reefs. The two men immediately started to brainstorm the ways they could work together for the common good.
Living Shoreline and oyster reef sill at Piankatank River creek. Courtesy of Ready Reef, Inc.
“Students are taught about the environmental dangers that have altered Bay ecology, but with funding from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and by partnering with Ready Reef, one of the companies who build biogenic reefs, we were able to give students the opportunity to actually build and then place a number of reefs in Rappahannock creeks,” explained Moncure. “Besides giving the kids start-to-finish hands-on experience, it was great to watch the light go on. By becoming part of the solution, students are better able to understand the problems and hopefully begin a lifetime commitment to working to improve the Bay.”
Nate Parker of June Parker Marina in Tappahannock works with Moncure. “People bring oyster shells to the marina for recycling, and we donate these to the companies who build the reefs. Oyster spat [oyster larvae which attach to a surface] are much more likely to attach to something natural.” Unfortunately, shells are in short supply, so everyone is encouraged to look for and contribute to recycling centers.
Two kinds of reefs are currently installed at various locations on the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula. The smaller reefs are shaped like pyramids, providing many surfaces for oysters to cover. Designed by Darryl Nixon, the mini-pyramids are made of concrete, and oyster shells are embedded on the top as a way to attract the first layer of oysters.
The concrete modular Reeftek encrusted with oysters, mussels, and red beard sponge just five years after installation in the lower Rappahannock River. Photo courtesy of Russell Burke and Capt. Robert Jensen.
Ready Reef Inc. is operated by brothers Chris and Ed Davis at Callis Wharf on Gwynn’s Island. In business for six years, the Davises create living shorelines and install biogenic reef structures for oyster restoration. Ready Reef uses the pyramid-shaped reefs for breakwaters as an eco-friendly solution to erosion control. When the reef structures are placed in a breakwater row, space is left between the pyramids. Wave action is subdued, but sediment can float through the spaces, moving past the reef to be deposited on the shore. The sediment builds up so that shore grasses can grow and that combination helps maintain a natural shoreline.
A typical pyramid reef supports 80 to 100 mature oysters. As the reef grows into a natural habitat, the original shape becomes almost unrecognizable. Each reef helps to replenish the supply of native oysters in the Bay. The Davises have installed projects in Deltaville, Mathews, and the North River.
A reef after five months of summer goodness in Mathews County's Horn Harbor. Photo courtesy of Ready Reef, Inc.
One name that appears in connection with every group working with biogenic reefs is Dr. Russell Burke. Currently a Christopher Newport University professor, he studied the biogenic technology for five years starting in 2005. He holds a doctorate in Marine Science from the College of William and Mary School of Marine Science. As the recognized expert on biogenic reef technology, Dr. Burke offers his expertise through Biogenic Solutions Consulting, focusing on ecological restoration, mitigation services, and shoreline management. He has been involved with projects on Gwynn’s Island, in Mobjack Bay, and in Saxis, as well as others in partnerships with Broadwater Concepts, Oyster Company of Virginia, and Ready Reef.
Founded in 2010, the Oyster Company of Virginia (OCVA) now has both environmental and commercial programs in place for the purpose of restoring a healthy oyster population and also involving area watermen in aquaculture. Regarding the biogenic reefs, OCVA has the exclusive world rights to the Reeftek “Oyster Eco Reef Module,” the second type of reef in current use in the area. Called the Sentinel, the reef is seven-feet square and is built in layers up to a height of five layers. The overall size and the shape of each layer provide plenty of surface area for oysters to attach, and the design leaves lots of spaces to support a permanent reef habitat.
The Reeftek modules will not be harvested. Rather, they are available to the public for another reason, that of a Living Memorial Oyster Reef (LMOR). Individuals or groups can purchase a Sentinel to honor an individual, a family, or an organization as a tribute. Plus, the ashes of a loved one can be interred in the layers of the Sentinel, which can then be placed in one of four river locations: Potomac, Rappahannock, York, or James.
Commemoration ceremony prior to deployment of the Virginia Ecological Solutions Foundation's Living Memorial Oyster Reef (LMOR). Photo courtesy of Virginia Ecological Solutions Foundation.
The Virginia Ecological Solutions Foundation (VESF) in Topping also handles Reeftek’s LMOR. The foundation encourages biological solutions for Bay lovers who want to help restore the life of the Chesapeake. With the return of a healthy oyster population as a primary goal, a memorial oyster reef is a primary solution. Each Sentinel is pre-struck with spat to accelerate oyster restoration. For those with a special bond to the Chesapeake, who have chosen to make these waters their final resting place, a custom brass plaque will be attached to the designated layer of the Sentinel.
Two more VESF programs — Living Memorial Shoreline and Adopt-a-Reef — are the foundation’s contribution to the national Living Shoreline program. With these, too, a special occasion can be commemorated with a naming plate on the reef.
Shoreline erosion is a problem in all coastal areas, particularly where sea-level rise is already making a bad situation worse. Recommendations for creating a Living Shoreline are found at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Habitat Conservation. For Virginians, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) also provides a nature-based approach to shoreline protection.