Our History Our Future

The Wye River Oyster Program was initiated in May of 2025 by a small group of neighbors concerned that the Wye River’s water quality has declined in recent decades.

ShoreRivers’ 2024 report card gave the Wye River troubling marks:

Total Nitrogen - C Phosphorus - D Water Clarity - D Chlorophyll"A" - D
In addition, weekly bacteria testing, which takes place at Drum Point, showed bacteria levels exceeding Maryland State standards 33% of the time during the summer of 2024..

These numbers are a stark contrast to the river many of us remember—when crabs could be scooped from the bottom in 4–5 feet of water, and grasses grew so thick you could barely motor through some areas.

Faced with this decline, our community launched the Wye River Oyster Program. Oysters are a keystone species, naturally filtering water and helping restore balance to the river. Just six weeks after its founding in May 2025, and with strong community support, the Program arranged for 1 barge, which planted 21 million oyster spat-on-shell (SOS) on 3 acres of historic bars. Restoration is already underway.

A healthier Wye River benefits not only those living on the river but also those who enjoy fishing, crabbing, or simply being on or near the Wye. Improvement in water quality will also benefit visitors to Wye Island as well as the watermen who make their living on these waters.

The overall program goal for 2026 is for 2.5-3 barges, planting 35-50 million oyster SOS over approximately 7 acres of river bottom, which when mature could filter close to 200 million gallons of water/day*.

To achieve this goal we need to raise $140 - $180K. We are hoping to receive some grant funding but our primary support comes from individuals.

Help us spread the word!

• This estimate assumes that 18% of spat reach maturity and, once mature, filter 20 gallons of water a day.