Oyster Farm Project
The Problem
One hundred years ago, the bay teemed with oysters, supporting a thriving seafood industry and a healthy coastal ecosystem. However, according to historical data, approximately 1.8 billion adult oysters have been removed from Mobile Bay over the last century.
By the early 2000s, Mobile Bay's oyster population had collapsed, and the natural reef systems that once supported a self-sustaining oyster fishery were largely gone. Without urgent intervention, the bay will struggle to recover, leaving a degraded ecosystem and a missing economic opportunity for local fisheries.
Imminent problem:
A major bottleneck for oyster restoration has been the lack of oysters available for use in restoration, whether that be adult oysters or supply of spat-on-shell. Alternative methods of spat-on-shell production need to be explored and trialed to increase the amount of oysters available for restoration.
The Solution
Mobile Bay lacks the hatchery, nursery, and grow-out infrastructure necessary to rebuild its oyster populations. Unlike successful programs in Chesapeake Bay and Louisiana, which have built robust hatchery and nursery systems to replenish natural reefs and support commercial oyster farming, Mobile Bay remains dependent on external hatcheries—limiting the scale and effectiveness of restoration.
A fully integrated Hatchery, Nursery, Grow-Out system is essential to:
- Provide a Local Supply of Oyster Larvae – Reducing reliance on external hatcheries ensures a steady supply for restoration and aquaculture.
- Scale Up Restoration Efforts – A reliable spat-on-shell supply can support the re-establishment of reefs across Mobile Bay.
- Support Economic Growth – Expanding oyster aquaculture infrastructure creates jobs and strengthens Alabama’s seafood industry.
- Improve Water Quality and Habitat – More oysters mean improved filtration, healthier ecosystems, and stronger coastal resilience.
By developing this infrastructure as an interconnected system, Mobile Bay can rebuild its lost oyster population, restore water quality, and create a sustainable future for oysters in Alabama.
Oyster restoration and a healthy coastal economy go hand-in-hand.
Oyster farmers across coastal Alabama are helping rebuild the Bay’s oyster population by growing oysters that support restoration efforts. Meet the farms that we're partnering with.
Bama Bay Oyster Farm
A woman owned and operated oyster farm, Bama Bay creates and grows spat on shell that we use for restoration purposes.
Isle Dauphine Oyster Co.
A family’s small private company, founded in 2013 near the salty waters of Dauphin Island, Alabama, Isle Dauphine, provides oyster shell to build restoration reefs.
Admiral Shellfish Company
Settled right near historic Fort Morgan, Admiral Shellfish Company provides adult oysters for reef restoration.
New Reef Oyster Company
A family owned and operated farm located in Coden, Alabama, New Reef Oyster Company, provides live oysters for reef restoration.
Our Goal Is To Produce 1,000,000 Oysters in 2026.
2026
Baykeeper launches Oyster Farm project, partnering with local oyster farms across coastal Alabama to rebuild the Bay's oyster population.
2027
Receive 1,000,000 oysters from the Oyster Farm Project to use for restoration projects throughout Mobile Bay.
2025
Baykeeper begins connecting with local oyster farms with the goal of building the capacity to grow out more than enough oysters to meet restoration needs throughout Mobile Bay.