Restoration & Research
Restoring Ecosystems, One Oyster at a Time
We have four oyster monitoring sites—two on the east side and two on the west side of the island—where oysters are grown in protective cages and monitored regularly. We are studying these sites using data collected on oyster growth, survivability, and biodiversity, benthic and soil samples, water-quality parameters, substrate composition, and community interest. We have used this data to select two sites for a large-scale oyster reef installation.
CIOR is powered by community scientists, volunteers, and students. We collaborate with local schools, universities, and research partners to collect and share data, expanding access to hands-on science for people of all backgrounds. Our research contributes to the broader body of knowledge on oyster restoration and supports healthier, more resilient coastal ecosystems.
What do we do?
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Water-Quality Monitoring
We regularly measure key parameters around City Island for changes in temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity, using specialized instruments.
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Oyster Monitoring
We monitor oyster growth and survival at all of our Oyster Monitoring sites from May to October with the help of team members and eco-volunteers.
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Biodiversity Studies
We monitor and record the diverse marine life attracted to our hanging oyster cages. We have documented more than 51 species, including invertebrates, fish, and algae.
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Wild Oyster Surveys
We conduct surveys at low tide to document the vitality of wild oyster populations. This data gives us valuable insight into the overall health and progress of the oyster population.
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Dive Surveys
Divers survey the City Island shoreline and nearby areas, documenting bottom conditions, topography, and the presence of live oysters. Using a method adapted from the NYPD Harbor Unit’s Scuba team, divers conduct systematic searches.
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Fish Monitoring
We document the presence of ray-finned fish and invertebrates at our future reef sites to track our impact on local fish populations. We monitor using fish traps in spring, summer, fall, and winter.
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Independent Research
Students and community members conduct independent studies at our research sites. Post-doctoral, graduate, college, and high school students have studied water quality, oyster restoration substrates, oyster microbiomes, pollinator plants, and more!
Future Reef Plans
Building a Thriving Future for Long Island Sound
City Island Oyster Reef is expanding restoration efforts with the development of two future reef sites, at Delmour’s Point on the west side of the island and at Pilot Cove on the east side. These locations were selected after two years of intensive monitoring to ensure the best possible conditions to support an oyster reef. The goal is to introduce new oyster populations by utilizing reefballs and spat-on-shells. Reef balls are large substrates that oysters can attach themselves to, serving as habitat for growth. CIOR utilizes three sizes of reef balls to support development: the compact Low-Pro Ball (155 lbs), the mid-sized Bay Ball (500 lbs), and the large-scale Goliath Ball (5,000 lbs). Each model is strategically selected based on site conditions to maximize habitat creation and reef stability.
At Delmour’s Point 33,000,000 spat will be installed and at Pilot Cove 20,000,000 will be introduced in order to create a self-sustaining reef. With permits submitted to the Army Corps of Engineers and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), we are working toward a healthier, more resilient Long Island Sound.
In addition, we’ll be installing a pilot reef at our outdoor learning center, The Living Shoreline. This community-built teaching reef will use seeded oyster castles and feature a simple hands-on design. Community members and students will be invited to take part in the building process, turning restoration into a shared educational experience.
Community Outreach
Oysters Build Reefs, We Build Community.
Community Monitoring Sessions & Workshops
Join us for hands-on monitoring on our research skiff to study water quality, oyster growth, fish species, and other biodiversity. Learn more about our environmental efforts by meeting with experts in the field and attending our interactive workshops. Check out our calendar to join our next session.
Annual Events & Outreach Events
Every year we host our signature community events: the Water Jubilee & Kayak Challenge, Movie Night, and the Viva la Sound Environmental Festival. We also host and participate in outreach events that change each year. Check out our calendar to participate and become part of the CIOR team!
Educating students in the classroom, in the field, on the Living Shoreline, or on our skiff, is a priority. Learn about ways that we are educating students about oysters and their place as a keystone species within the Long Island Sound’s rich biodiversity. Reach out to us if you are a teacher, student, parent, or lifelong learner!
Educational Programs
We educate the next generation of environmental stewards through hands-on internships in marine conservation, restoration, and public engagement. Open to students, graduates, and community members, the program offers real-world experience, mentorship, and the chance to make a lasting impact.
Internships & Professional Development
We host webinars open to the public on various topics, including our research and restoration, environmental science, our collaborators’ projects, and much more! Check out our previous webinars below or go to our calendar to find upcoming webinars.
Webinars
Shell Recycling
What happens to all of the oyster shells discarded at restaurants every day?
Most of them end up in landfills.
But we recycle them! Our shell recycling program collects, cures, and preps shells to help seed new oyster on City Island and Long Island Sound—giving them a second life in restoring our waters.
Since beginning our shell recycling program in 2019, we have collected more than 50,000 pounds of shells.
Collect. Bag. Transport. Cure. Seed. Restore.
