Moultrie Students Construct Oyster Reef

Moultrie Middle School students on Wednesday did their part in a multi-year, $1 million oyster reef restoration.

Port employees and three classes of Moultrie students joined in the effort, which involves placing bagged oyster shells along the tideline throughout the harbor. The Port is carrying out the restoration with the help of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

The work is part of an ongoing ports and environmental educational series, according to Allison Skipper, port spokeswoman.

"The curriculum is designed to meet state standards by integrating all subject areas like math, science and writing," Skipper said.

The students bagged the oysters prior to Wednesday's event, and during the excercise, they tested for water quality.

The Port Authority has pledged $12 million for various environmental and community projects in the Charleston metro region. The Port-DNR oyster restoration effort is a five-year, $1-million investment.

Oyster reefs improve water quality, protect and substantially increase the productivity of estuarine species and aid in erosion reduction.