Chesapeake Bay is home to one of the largest oyster restoration efforts in North America and supports a thriving oyster fishery. However, a shortage of fresh oyster shells threatens these activities. The overall objective of this work is to provide science-based guidance to the Maryland state legislature about the potential to use alternative substrates to oyster shells for oyster habitat and the viability of retrofitting existing structures for oyster restoration and fisheries. IAN is assisting Elizabeth North and Matt Gray, researchers at the Horn Point Laboratory, to convene two symposiums that will bring together researchers, managers, oyster farmers, and watermen to discuss new research in this area and guide efforts in Maryland. IAN will also help develop communication materials that will synthesize the research and help state legislators make science-based decisions.