Change Text Size Change font size: Normal Text Medium Text Large Text

Clam Bayou Mangrove Restoration


Clam Bayou Mangroves (2003-2011)


We need volunteers to help with plantings in September (3, 9, 23, 24 and 30) and October (1, 21 22).  Please click here for a PDF with more info.    WINK-TV ran a story about the project on September 28, click here to view.  For photos of earlier work:  pictures and a recent report.

Clam Bayou has seen a significant decline in the quality and function of marine habitats, including mangroves, oysters, and mangrove plantingseagrass. Storms and other activities (road construction) isolated it from tidal flusing resulting in declining mangrove and seagrass habitats. In 2006, the City of Sanibel, with numerous funding partners began a hydrological restoration effort installing box culverts, reconnecting it with Pine Island Sound. The SCCF Marine Lab is continuing this effort having received 2009-2011 funding from NOAA, the National Association of Counties (NACO) and other partners such as the City of Sanibel.

Mangroves provide essential habitat for shrimp, crabs, fish, wading birds and also help protect the shoreline from erosion due to waves and tropical storms. Mangroves also improve water quality by trapping sediments, nutrients and pollutants, thereby removing them from the water column. Along the edges of open water, well-developed mangrove prop roots provide protection for juvenile animals from their predators as well as serving as an attachment substrate for colonizing filter feeders, such as oysters.

mangrove plantingRed mangroves do not produce seeds or seedpods, they produce propagules. Propagules are seedlings which develop and grow on the mother tree until they are mature, at which point they drop to the ground or water. Propagules are available from May through November and are collected by volunteers and planted along the shoreline at Clam Bayou. Volunteers are always needed!

Related Publications: Final report to City of Sanibel, Restoration and mangrove propagulesCreation Conference Proceedings 2006, co-authored with James Evans, City of Sanibel