GALVESTON, Texas (AP) — Hurricane Ike-damaged oyster reefs in Galveston Bay are getting a rocky makeover in preparation for some new inhabitants.
Experts say an $810,000 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department project eventually will lead to the reopening of public oyster reefs to commercial fishing.
The Galveston County Daily News reported Friday that at least half the habitat in Galveston Bay was destroyed by debris and sediment from the Sept. 13, 2008, hurricane.
The agency is focusing on East Bay and the north shoreline of Eagle Point in San Leon.
Crews working on recovery have put a layer of reef-building materials, called clutch, on about 20 acres of oyster habitat. The river rock and crushed concrete will provide habitat for oyster larvae.
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Information from: The Galveston County Daily News, http://www.galvnews.com
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press
