Cedar Key locals participating in the Oyster Rocks project.
Big things are happening out on the water! Construction has officially begun on the Oyster ROCKS – Suwannee Sound/Cedar Key Oyster Restoration Project, marking a major milestone in restoring our historic local oyster reefs in Waccasassa Bay.
If you’ve been out near Corrigan’s Reef lately, you might have noticed extra activity on the water. Crews are strategically placing naturally occurring limestone rock along the reef bed to build a solid foundation where new wild oysters can take spat, attach, and thrive for years to come.
Project Background & History
The Oyster ROCKS initiative is the culmination of years of dedicated planning, environmental evaluation, and local advocacy aimed at reversing long-term declines in Levy County’s native oyster populations:
Funding & Origins: The project is made possible through approximately $1.9 million in RESTORE Act Bucket 3 funding, which allocates resources toward ecosystem restoration and economic recovery along the Gulf Coast following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
Community-Led Collaboration: Oversight and guidance have been spearheaded through the Levy County Board of County Commissioners in coordination with the RESTORE Act Advisory Committee, regional scientific partners, and local stakeholders like the Cedar Key Oystermen’s Association.
From Planning to Execution: Following preliminary environmental assessments and project updates published throughout early 2026, the project officially transitioned from design and permitting into active marine construction this July.
Bud Collins’ boat being loaded with limestone rock.
Supporting Our Local Watermen & Marine Ecosystem
This effort isn't just an investment in our environment—it’s an investment in our working waterfront. “It’s amazing. Good for the environment, good for the oyster reef, good for the community, and to be doing it ourselves when we know the reefs are so much better than hiring one of those big companies,” said Laura Adams, Community organizer for the OysterRocks project.
Local Jobs on the Water: The project directly supports the local economy by hiring approximately 40 local commercial fishing vessels, alongside team members handling wildlife monitoring, environmental oversight, and project coordination.
Long-Term Benefits: By re-establishing stable substrate in Corrigan's Reef, the project aims to restore critical marine habitat, improve coastal water quality, strengthen shoreline resilience, and safeguard the future of Levy County’s commercial fishing industry.
Jase Kaim transporting limestone rocks to Corrigan’s Reef.
Want to Learn More & See More Photos?
Levy County has published ongoing project updates featuring photos of the rock installation and behind-the-scenes glimpses of local oystermen bringing this restoration project to life.
You can read full updates, view project photos, and track progress on the Levy County website: 👉 Levy County RESTORE Act Project Updates
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