Digital subscriptions provided by the City of Gulfport THE GABBER.COM No. 2801
February 23, 2023- March 1, 2023
The Oyster is Your World By Amanda Hagood
TAMPA BAY WATCH
Two Tampa Bay Watch volunteers carry a concrete oyster reef ball (also known as an oyster dome) into the water for installation. The community-based habitat restoration organization celebrates its 30th year this month.
When was the last time you enjoyed a sunset at the Gulfport Municipal Marina? As you watched that gorgeous procession of orange, purple, and blue playing out in the clouds, did you know that a humbler, but no less extraordinary process
was unfolding just beneath your feet – where thousands of oysters are slowly, steadily cleaning the waters of Boca Ciega Bay? “One adult oyster can filter 50 gallons of water a day. They are Mother Nature’s kidneys!” says Pe-
DINE-IN •
ter Clark, president and founder of Tampa Bay Watch, the conservation organization that helped install 500 vertical oyster gardens at the marina and more at private docks in the surrounding area. These 18-inch Oysters continued on page 8
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