By Max Stumpf, SMRWA Intern

BIRCH Marine Construction deployed 58 reef balls built by the St. Mary’s River Watershed Association (SMRWA) in the St. Mary’s River on June 18! With the help of Carl, Andy, Molly, Grace, and the rest of the Birch Marine Contracting Team, these reef balls were loaded up and deployed in the span of just a few hours (a feat that would take SMRWA’s team at least two days).

Reef balls are hollow concrete structures that mimic a natural reef formation. They are used in coastal protection and habitat restoration, both in freshwater and saltwater environments.

SMRWA makes its reef balls with sand and gravel donated by Chaney Enterprises. They also build the reef balls with youth from summer camps or local schools to teach them about watershed health through a hands-on project.

In their new location off Horseshoe Point, these reef balls will serve as anchoring points for future oysters while also creating a habitat for other aquatic animals. As new oysters settle onto these reef balls, the oysters will filter and clean the bay, creating clearer water.

These reef balls build on existing deployments from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the Coastal Conservation Association. You can find out more here.

Thank you again to BIRCH Marine Construction for their assistance in this project! Without their hard work and barge, this would not have been possible!