I was on a tour in the Chesapeake bay, they said in the 1800s, they used to have to break up oyster beds because ships could beach on them, now (~10 years ago, hopefully it changed) they can't get a single one to grow there.
Circa ~2005, they began seeding modified oysters that were more resistant to the pathogens decimating the natural population.
Through a managed reintroduction and harvesting program, they've begun to gradually heal the bay and continue to expand the footprint of oysters.
Better ecosystems through science, indeed!
> In our latest feature film, we dive deeper into the story of the Rappahannock Oyster Co., speaking with cousins Ryan and Travis Croxton to learn how they're revolutionizing the shellfish industry in the Chesapeake Bay. With research and innovation, they helped transform the regional oyster population from nearly endangered to the beating heart of a thriving ecosystem.