Billion Oyster Project Knowledge Assessment

The Billion Oyster Project aims to restore oyster reefs in New York Harbor, which were once abundant but depleted due to overharvesting. The project involves collecting oyster shells from restaurants, curing them, and using them as a substrate for new oyster larvae. This initiative not only helps restore the ecosystem but also educates students and the public about marine biology and environmental stewardship. The project serves as a model for urban environmental restoration, demonstrating that humans can coexist with nature even in large cities.

What is the primary goal of the Billion Oyster Project?

• To increase seafood exports from New York

• To restore the oyster population in New York Harbor

• To create artificial reefs for tourism

• To develop new oyster-based recipes

What was the backbone of the ecosystem in New York Harbor when explorers first arrived?

• Seagrass beds

• Oyster reefs

• Mangrove forests

• Coral reefs

Why is it important to cure oyster shells for a year before using them in restoration?

• To make them more durable

• To increase their size

• To remove any harmful organisms or pathogens

• To enhance their color

Where does the Billion Oyster Project collect oyster shells from?

• Supermarkets in New York

• Oyster farms in New York

• Over 70 restaurants in New York City

• Local beaches

How does the project ensure that no foreign organisms are introduced into New York Harbor?

• By importing shells from certified sources

• By using only local oysters

• By curing the shells for a year

• By boiling the shells

What is the purpose of increasing water temperature and providing algae in the hatchery?

• To simulate ocean currents

• To encourage oyster spawning

• To clean the oyster shells

• To attract more fish

How many live oysters does the project aim to place at SUNY Maritime?

• Three million

• Ten million

• One million

• Five million

What does the project use as a substrate for oyster larvae?

• Plastic structures

• Rocks

• Sand

• Recycled oyster shells

What is the broader vision of the Billion Oyster Project?

• To make New York a leading oyster exporter

• To develop new oyster farming techniques

• To demonstrate that urban environments can coexist with natural ecosystems

• To create a new tourist attraction in New York

What is a significant challenge the project faces in restoring oysters?

• Lack of funding

• Pollution in the harbor

• Introduction of non-native species

• Limited public interest