Placida, Fla. – May 9, 2025 – On Wednesday, Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Florida will partner with Ingman Marine, Abbott Construction, Lee Reefs, Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association (GICIA), Capt. Jay Withers, Clermont Oyster Bar and Lake County to deploy four dump truck loads of recycled oyster shells in Charlotte Harbor for its fifth installment of the Turtle Bay Oyster Reef, further advancing one of the largest recycled oyster reef restoration projects in Florida.
The latest deployment, the Mike Abbott CCA Florida Turtle Bay Oyster Reef Deployment, honors a dedicated conservationist and CCA Florida supporter committed to improving water quality in Southwest Florida and throughout the state. This expansion of the Turtle Bay Oyster Reef celebrates Abbott’s efforts and reinforces CCA Florida’s steadfast commitment to revitalizing Florida’s marine habitat.
“The fifth oyster deployment in Turtle Bay not only honors Mike Abbott but showcases the dedication of our partners, volunteers and members who share a mutual vision for a healthier and more resilient coastal environment in Charlotte Harbor,” CCA Florida Chief Operating
Officer Adam Miller said. “Every oyster shell deployed represents a step toward restoring critical habitat and improving water quality for generations to come.”
The recycled oyster shells, donated by the Clermont Oyster Bar, are first dried for six months to kill any potential pathogens at CCA Florida’s Oyster Recycling Facility in Lake County. The oysters are then transported to Placida, loaded onto a barge provided by Abbott Construction and deployed in Turtle Bay at a pre-permitted location.
“To date, nearly 240 tons of recycled oysters have been deployed in Turtle Bay,” CCA Florida’s Director of Habitat and Environmental Restoration Frank Gidus said. “With an estimated 85% loss of oyster reefs worldwide, we are proud to expand the Turtle Bay Oyster Reef for the fifth time in effort to restore the habitat and water quality in Charlotte Harbor, and we could not do it without the support of our community partners and members.”
The Turtle Bay project is one of the most extensive oyster reef restoration efforts in Florida providing vital habitat for marine species, enhancing water quality and boosting recreational angling. Oyster reefs filter pollutants, create habitat for a variety of marine species and reduce turbidity which aids in seagrass growth.
The deployment will be held at 26.790187, -82.175023 on May 14. Media are encouraged to attend and plan to arrive at 10 a.m. at the floating dock at Laishley Park Municipal Marina, 120 Laishley Ct, Punta Gorda, FL 33950.
Contact: Mary Hillyer Peelen (MHP) Walther| 407.617.0604 | mhpwalther@ccaflorida.org
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