Morgan State’s PEARL Examines Economic and Ecological Impacts of Oyster Reef Restoration Amid Chesapeake Bay Challenges

BALTIMORE — New research from Morgan State University’s Patuxent Environmental and Aquatic Research Laboratory (PEARL) reveals the significant ecological and economic benefits of restoring oyster reefs and submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) like eelgrass in the Chesapeake Bay. Ecosystem models of the York and Piankatank rivers in the Virginia Middle Peninsula simulated increases in oyster and eelgrass populations that resulted in more commercial harvest, particularly for blue crab, the most lucrative seafood fishery in the Chesapeake. Researchers cite potential economic boons ranging from $700,000 to $3.1 million for the regional economy that are linked to the restoration of these living habitats in the Bay.

Morgan’s PEARL is part of a multi-year research initiative led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), in partnership with state and federal agencies, public and private organizations, research and science institutions, along with local communities. The NOAA Chesapeake Bay Fisheries Research Program aims to better understand the health of fished populations and their relationship with changing environmental dynamics to inform ecosystem-based management of the Chesapeake’s living resources.

Historically, the Chesapeake Bay’s Eastern Oyster fishery was one of the largest in the world. However, centuries of overharvesting, habitat degradation, and disease have devastated populations, reducing oyster numbers to less than 1% of their historical abundance.  While management efforts and large-scale restoration projects, such as the addition of 492 acres of restored reefs across the York and Piankatank Rivers, have helped revitalize oyster populations, continued success is challenged by environmental stressors and variability across regions.

This project forecasted twelve potential future scenarios for the newly restored habitat and outlined the possible economic impacts of each. The models demonstrated that restored oyster reefs significantly boost annual dockside sales by approximately $1.3 million annually in the York River alone, primarily through increases in blue crab harvests. Conversely, loss of restored reefs could decrease sales by as much as $870,000 annually.

“This research exemplifies the interdisciplinary work at Morgan’s PEARL. Deploying expertise across the natural and social sciences, PEARL researchers and students developed linked ecological-economic models, showing that a restored environment can generate meaningful economic impacts,” said Scott Knoche, Ph.D., director of PEARL. “Now more than ever, it is important to understand and highlight the economic benefits of costly environmental restoration activities.”

PEARL’s innovative use of integrated ecosystem modeling projects suggests that ongoing oyster reef growth could generate a 25% boost in blue crab harvests and $700,000 annually for the local economy. However, if oyster reefs and eelgrass continue to decline, these benefits could be lost, threatening an estimated $3.1 million in annual economic gain if both habitats are restored.

The study also revealed the vital role of eelgrass restoration, a key component of the Chesapeake Bay’s ecosystem that has steadily declined due to increasing water temperature, nutrient loading, and poor water quality. While some evidence suggests widgeon grass, another SAV species included in the study, can provide some of the ecological benefits of eelgrass, widgeon grass lacks the resilience and foundational strength of eelgrass, leaving the Bay’s habitats vulnerable. If eelgrass populations continue to decline at current rates, the Bay could suffer an economic loss of more than $1.1 million annually in dockside sales. However, if eelgrass coverage is restored to a recent maximum coverage, dockside sales could surge by over $8 million annually, with significant benefits flowing into the crab pot, haul seine, and gillnet fisheries. Interviews with local watermen confirmed that major expenses include maintenance, fuel, and bait. Still, more than 37% of revenues are retained as income, highlighting the importance of sustaining strong fisheries for local livelihoods and industries.

Over $11.9 million has been invested in oyster reef construction in the Middle Peninsula region. PEARL’s study further substantiates that continued investment in living habitat restoration is essential for sustaining the environmental resilience and economic vitality of Chesapeake Bay communities. 

“Our findings underscore that restoring living habitats like oyster reefs and eelgrass beds is not just an environmental initiative; it makes sound economic sense as well,” said Tom Ihde, lead researcher for the project at the PEARL. “Sustained investment in habitat restoration, coupled with strategic management of climate impacts and invasive species, will be critical to Chesapeake Bay communities' future health and prosperity.”

PEARL, located approximately 80 miles south of Morgan’s main campus, sits along the Patuxent River, a major tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. The laboratory is dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge of coastal and aquatic systems to inform their sustainable management and long-term protection. This work was supported through NOAA’s Chesapeake Bay Fisheries Research Program and reflects ongoing collaborations with partners such as the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and The Nature Conservancy.

Key highlights from the study include:

• Oyster reef restoration with continued growth is projected to increase the regional economic impact of the commercial fishing industry by $1.1 million per year and support 12 additional full-time jobs annually.
• If eelgrass is restored to a recent maximum coverage, without concurrent oyster restoration, the regional economic impact could rise to $5 million annually and support 47 full-time jobs.
• Increases in the eelgrass population, in combination with oyster restoration efforts, are anticipated to have a positive influence on the regional economy with a $5.8 million surge in economic impact and creation of 54 full-time jobs, while a continued decline in eelgrass could minimize these benefits.

The complete study offers valuable insights for policymakers, environmental managers, and coastal communities seeking to protect and sustainably grow natural resources and local economies in the face of ongoing environmental change.

About Morgan
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering more than 150 baccalaureate, master’s degree, doctorate and certificate programs. As Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.

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Media Contacts:
Cheryl Stewart  or Dell Jackson, for Morgan State University PR
443-885-3022