Oyster Restoration in the Severn River

Join the Severn River Association — in person or online — at its next John Wright Speaker Series for an update on the oyster reef research project SRA conducted this year. SRA’s Program Officer, Tom Guay, will detail how the team and partners, Black Girls’ Dive of Baltimore, scouted out new locations for future oyster restoration reefs, conducted sonar surveys of historic oyster bars, created a database of oxygen and salinity conditions at these locations, deployed underwater drones, and conducted scuba dives to assess the health of oysters in our river. The results are fantastic news for oyster lovers!

About the Speaker: Tom Guay has been with SRA in various capacities since 2011, serving as a Board Member, Communications Director, Program Officer, and interim Executive Director. Tom is instrumental in creating SRA’s on-the-river programs that enhance understanding of the health of the watershed. He recruits and trains kayakers to join SRA’s famous “SAV Navy” to survey underwater grasses; runs SRA’s river-wide water quality monitoring program that involves nearly 70 volunteers for our weekly tours; hosts SRA’s Floating Classroom that provides hands-on environmental educational experiences for students; produces Severn River report cards; and leads SRA oyster restoration research efforts. Tom has also helped develop SRA’s burgeoning stormwater and shoreline restoration businesses.

When not patrolling the Severn River on the nonprofit’s scientific research vessel, Sea Girl, Tom is a member of the world-renown Eastport Oyster Boys who entertain multitudes with stories and songs about life on the Chesapeake. Tom and his wife, Karen, live in the watershed, enjoy boating excursions and sunsets over the Severn, as well as the stories their son, Brendan, shares about life as a soccer coach.

Register by Sunday, Nov. 13; space is limited. | The event will also be livestreamed on SRA’s Facebook page.

Severn River Association is a GreenGive Partner