Join MOP and others as we clean up boring sponge from a local oyster bed. Volunteering with us is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a great cause, meet new people, and have a positive impact on our community.
What: Sorting through a wild oyster bed and removing all oysters showing signs of boring sponge infestation. We'll also record the total number of oysters remidiated. .
Why: The boring sponge gets its name from its habit of boring holes into oyster shells. This weakens the shells and kills the oyster. If you find an empty shell covered with pockmarks, it likely means that animal was once infested by a boring sponge. Boring sponges are a major pest to oysters. Areas of boring sponge left undeterred have destroyed entire beds of oysters. It's difficult to completely eradicate a boring sponge infestation. But removing as many infected oysters as possible can reduce and contain the sponge.
Who: Volunteers from the north shore, The Great Marsh Shellfish Co., and Mass Oyster Project. Ipswich shellfish constable Matt Bodwell will be in charge for the Town of Ipswich and oversee the project.
RSVP requested: If you think you might volunteer, please sign up here before August 20th.
What Volunteers Should Bring:
Volunteers should wear proper boots or shoes that can get wet
Plan to get dirty / Muddy bring a change of clothes.
Bring gloves
5 Gallon buckets with no leaks
Bull rakes are optional but useful
Please feel free to share this information with anyone else that might be interested in volunteering for the event. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have to contact@massoyster.org