The Alabama Wildlife Federation is praising U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) for securing $1 million in federal funding to support oyster reef restoration efforts in Alabama.
The funding was included in the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies appropriations bill passed by the U.S. Senate on January 15 and will support Alabama’s Comprehensive Oyster Restoration Strategy through AWF’s Oyster Restoration Initiative.
Working with the Alabama Marine Resources Division, AWF has implemented multiple oyster restoration projects over the past three years in Mobile Bay and Mississippi Sound.
Those efforts have included oyster cultch plantings using limestone rock at the Bender Austal Reef, Lynn Dent Boykin Reef and Cedar Point Beach north of Dauphin Island, as well as live oyster plantings in Graveline Bay near Dauphin Island.
AWF has also funded SONDE monitoring units to evaluate oyster habitat suitability at the Point Clear Reef, Battles Wharf Reef and the Bon Secour breakwaters. According to the organization, these projects support long-term goals to improve oyster habitat and abundance in Alabama waters.
“Because of the long-term benefits these projects provide, Senator Britt shares the same passion as AWF for productive oyster habitat in Mobile Bay and Mississippi Sound. The Alabama Comprehensive Oyster Restoration Strategy seeks to improve oyster habitat and abundance in Alabama waters. Doing so will foster productive oyster populations that filter waters in the Bay and support sustainable oyster harvests. Senator Britt’s efforts to secure the $1 Million investment in AWF’s Oyster Restoration Initiative will help us achieve those goals,” said Tim L. Gothard, executive director of AWF.
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship said the funding will further strengthen public-private collaboration on conservation efforts.
“We appreciate Senator Britt and her leadership to secure funding that will advance Alabama’s Comprehensive Oyster Restoration Strategy. Our Marine Resources Division has worked closely with AWF on every oyster restoration project AWF has implemented. This collaboration is a testament to public/private partnerships achieving important conservation goals in Alabama. Senator Britt’s efforts will help further expand that collaboration for the benefit of our oyster resources and Mobile Bay,” Blankenship said.
AWF said its oyster restoration projects over the past three years have created more than 70 acres of new and improved oyster habitat in Mobile Bay and Mississippi Sound.
“Active investment in oyster restoration projects and strategies in Alabama is critical to maintaining oyster populations that benefit the Mobile Bay ecosystem and our oyster fishery. I remain committed to supporting Alabama’s Comprehensive Oyster Restoration Strategy and the AWF Oyster Restoration Initiative projects. The $1 million I secured through the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act is an important step in support of these ongoing efforts. I will continue to champion oyster restoration in Mobile Bay and Mississippi Sound. It is important to our state, our people, and the vitality of Mobile Bay,” Britt said.
AWF said it is planning additional relic oyster reef restoration projects in spring 2026 with continued support from the Alabama Marine Resources Division and private-sector partners.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
