Benthic Habitiat Restoration

The restoration of a variety of ecological systems located within the NY/NJ region is supported by a wide range of Federal, State, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Restoration of benthic habitat is a particularly important goal, but also one of the most difficult to achieve due to the amount of degradation that has occurred within the harbors of the region.

Modern restoration efforts are now focusing on the interconnections between multiple species living in tidal estuaries, and the importance of establishing communities of species for successful habitat development has been recognized. Because the waters of the NY/NJ region have become progressively cleaner since passage of environmental regulations beginning in the 1970's, aquatic species, which have been absent from our coastlines for decades, may now be able to survive.

The RERC is working with local NGOs, regulators, and funders to support restoration of historical benthic communities within the NY/NJ harbor estuary. The re-introduction of species once native to these waters would contribute to further improvements in our water quality, and could accelerate ecosystem re-establishment processes that may be occurring naturally.

In brackish marsh systems of the NY/NJ harbor, bivalve beds were commonly an important component of the benthic habitat ecosystem, and the Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) was a "keystone species." Because oysters form dense aggregations, this animal is considered an ecological engineer. Oyster building of "reefs" reduces water flow velocities, while providing organic material that serves as a food source for reef inhabitants. An adult oyster is capable of filtering up to 50 gallons of water a day, and this natural filtration process helps to reduce water turbidity, increasing light transmission through the water column. More light penetration creates a habitat supportive of submerged sea grass growth, which improves overall water quality. RERC is working with the NY/NJ Baykeeper, Hackensack Riverkeeper, and the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission to determine locations able to support sustainable long-term development of oyster reef habitat within the NY/NJ harbor estuary complex.