In April 2012, the Lafayette River was selected for restoration efforts. As a tributary of the Elizabeth River, it has many of the same benefits and risks as does the Elizabeth, with the added challenge of being completely contained within the city of Norfolk (and subject to the actions of its 242,000 residents). In April 2011, a plan was presented by the Elizabeth River Project that aimed to improve water quality and allow some harvest of oysters by 2014. This plan places an emphasis on home- and community-based efforts to reduce pollution and decrease bacteria levels in the river. Other small-scale efforts have been funded by NOAA and will be implemented by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Elizabeth River Project, including rebuilding of oyster reefs and wetlands. These efforts will kick-start the larger-scale restoration that will occur after data collection, analysis, mapping, and the drafting of a blueprint.

How Close Are Oysters in the Lafayette River to Being "Restored"?

Progress Report: Additional information to come after Tributary Analysis is complete.

• To date, 86 reef balls have been planted.

References and More Information:

• Lafayette River Event Celebrates Restoration
• Elizabeth River Project's Lafayette River Restoration Efforts
• VIMS Virginia Oyster Reef Restoration Map Atlas—April 2009