Second Symposium to Support Maryland's Oyster Industry
The Strengthening Habitats with Oysters on Retrofitted & Engineered Structures (SHORES) Symposium was held virtually on February 26–27, 2025. This symposium brought together experts worldwide to discuss their successes, strategies, and challenges regarding retrofitting new and existing structures to best support oysters and increase the structures' longevity. The talks addressed a variety of ecosystem services that accompany oyster integration, including shoreline stabilization, habitat formation, and improved water quality. Each day of the symposium started with a keynote speaker, followed by 15-minute talks, a chat n’ chew poster session, and ended with a panel discussion. The SHORES Symposium was the second symposium organized by Elizabeth North, Matthew Gray, Monica Fabra, Dave Nemazie, and William Nardin to help fill key knowledge gaps to better support Maryland’s oyster industries and restoration efforts as mandated by the SB830 program by the Maryland General Assembly. Conor Keitzer and Roshni Nair of IAN supported this effort by helping organize the SHORES symposium and will continue to work on a report that summarizes the findings and discussion from the symposium.