Mississippi-Alabama (MSAL) Sea Grant coordinates the Mobile Bay Oyster Gardening Program in Alabama, a volunteer-based project that focuses on education, restoration/enhancement and research by bringing the reef to the people. A restored oyster reef provides critical habitat for popular recreational fish species, as well as tremendous filtration potential to improve water quality. The oyster gardening program restoration efforts within Mobile Bay have restocked nearly 36.5 acres since its inception. In 2016, volunteers restored up to 2.89 acres of oyster reef habitat with an economic value of $55,000.

The Gulf Coast oyster industry has suffered a number of setbacks, both natural and man-made, that are challenging an industry built around inexpensive, plentiful oysters. Off-bottom oyster farming for the high-value, half-shell niche market provides an opportunity for Gulf residents to create jobs, provide high-quality oysters for the marketplace and improve the environment.

MSAL Sea Grant-funded scientists, extension staff and legal staff created an integrated program utilizing research and outreach programs on production methods and best management practices leading to the creation of a new oyster farming industry. Based on a situation and outlook survey of 2016 farms, nine of 13 permitted farms reported more than 2.8 million oysters produced on 18.1 acres, with total annual sales of almost $2 million. The oyster farming industry in Alabama was non-existent prior to 2010.

Place-based educational opportunities increase marine and environmental science knowledge and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) literacy through direct experiences in coastal environments. The experiences increase student understanding of how coastal sciences and research enhance quality of life, promote sustainability and help individuals make responsible decisions concerning coastal resources.

The Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium supports three environmental centers (Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Environmental Studies Center, and the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory) that incorporate the practice of science, technology, engineering and math skills for K-12 students. In 2016, a total of 16,467 K-12 students actively engaged in field experiences aboard boats, in salt marshes, at beaches, in forests and in other coastal habitats with wildlife. These experiences averaged a 30% gain in knowledge and appreciation of these habitats and organisms and developed science, technology, engineering and math skills, including authentic methods of data collection and interpretation.