The oyster population in Tampa Bay has plummeted in recent years due to encroaching development. But, along the seawall of Bayboro Harbor, USF student and professors have created man-made habitats that will hopefully begin the process of reversing this trend.
These 3D-printed habitats will soon house thousands of oysters. Made of clay, the structures will act as a living seawall, propagating oysters that can filter thousands of gallons of water per day and improve both water quality and ecosystem health.
Learn more about how USF St. Petersburg students receive hands-on experience through the Oyster Restoration Project (ORB).
Honors College professors Tina Piracci and Taylor Crosland, and Integrative Biology professor William Ellis founded the ORB project and work alongside HAB Lab researches and students.
Learn more about the researchers and students fusing art with innovative design to help restore and revitalize declining habitats in St. Petersburg.