Hampton River Restoration Project Achieves Major Milestone with Deployment of Innovative Natrx Basalt Oyster Shell Bags
Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s largest living shoreline now closer to completion
WASHINGTON, D.C. – RealEstateRama – The “Roots to Reef” initiative spearheaded by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) in the Hampton River reached a critical new milestone this week in its mission to bolster the city’s climate resilience.
Following the installation of oyster castles, the living shoreline has now successfully deployed the 650 innovative Natrx Basalt Shell Bags, a new frontier in oyster restoration consisting of bio-compatible material that provides a stable, resilient, and long-lasting foundation for baby oysters to attach and grow. This marks a significant step forward in the “Roots to Reef” project that will build CBF’s largest living shoreline combined with oyster reefs.
“We are incredibly excited to see our basalt shell bags deployed as part of the Hampton River ‘Roots to Reef’ project,” said Dylan DiBona, Creative Director with Natrx.
“Our innovative shell bags are designed to provide a robust, eco-friendly foundation for vibrant oyster reefs, accelerating natural restoration processes. Witnessing them integrated into such a vital living shoreline is a testament to what’s possible when cutting-edge technology meets dedicated conservation efforts. We are proud to contribute to the future health of the Chesapeake Bay.”
The Hampton River, a vital artery stretching 3.2 miles, has historically supported local communities through food, recreation, and national security. However, its proximity to a dense population of approximately 138,000 residents has led to challenges like polluted runoff.
This resilient and natural living shoreline, supported by the Blocker Foundation and Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, involves the strategic placement of 5,584 oyster castles, 720 bushels of recycled oyster shells, the 650 Natrx Basalt Shell Bags, 22 coconut fiber coir logs, and 15,000 native wetland plants. It offers a natural solution, creating a dynamic buffer that filters pollutants, provides essential habitat for marine life, and protects against erosion.
Unlike conventional mesh bags, these next-generation Natrx shell bags are crafted from durable basalt fibers, a naturally occurring volcanic rock, which are then filled with recycled oyster shells.
Their unique structure allows for better water flow, promoting optimal conditions for oyster reef development, while also providing robust protection against erosion and storm surges. Their strength and flexibility enable them to adapt more effectively to dynamic coastal environments and rising sea levels.
“The ‘Roots to Reef’ initiative at Pine Cone Harbour is a testament to nature-based solutions,” said Kati Grigsby, CBF’s Hampton Roads Urban Restoration Coordinator. “It’s truly inspiring to see how these living shorelines, especially with the integration of innovative materials like the Natrx bags, can adapt and strengthen our coastal communities against the impacts of climate change.”
The “Roots to Reef” project marks the first collaboration between CBF’s Hampton Roads Oyster Team and its Urban Restoration Team on the Hampton River.
Vanessa Remmers
Virginia Communications & Media Relations Manager, CBF
804-258-1567
