The first oyster reef planting in the local watershed for the multifaceted, partner-driven COASTAL (Conservation Opportunities Advancing Sustainable Technologies for Aquaculture Leases) project is complete, the Ocean County Soil Conservation District reports. This reef planting, the first of four, is a milestone for the pilot project, which supports local aquaculture producers by farming for restoration.

Planning efforts for the project – funded by an agreement with the Regional Conservation Partnership Program through…