Affects of Oyster Reef Restoration on NYC Harbor Water Quality
Dublin Core
Title
Affects of Oyster Reef Restoration on NYC Harbor Water Quality
Subject
GEOG-220 Final Project
Description
The Billion Oyster Project was founded in 2014 with the initiative to engage New Yorkers in native oyster reef
restoration, which had been functionally extinct in New York Harbor since 1927 due to overharvesting and
pollution. In 2016, they began installing reefs around the Harbor, amounting to 17 sites today. Oysters are
natural water filters, taking in up to 50 gallons a day and trapping various pollutants. This project compares
water quality over time to the presence of oyster reefs to determine their efficacy in restoring water quality.
restoration, which had been functionally extinct in New York Harbor since 1927 due to overharvesting and
pollution. In 2016, they began installing reefs around the Harbor, amounting to 17 sites today. Oysters are
natural water filters, taking in up to 50 gallons a day and trapping various pollutants. This project compares
water quality over time to the presence of oyster reefs to determine their efficacy in restoring water quality.
Creator
Yustein, Talia
Date
Fall 2025
Format
Poster
Class Project Item Type Metadata
Course Code
GEOG-220
Course Title
Cartography Spa Data Vis/GIS
Professor
Curri, Neil
Status
Complete
Last Updated
Fall 2025
Files
Collection
Citation
Yustein, Talia, “Affects of Oyster Reef Restoration on NYC Harbor Water Quality,” Vassar Student Sustainability Projects, accessed November 12, 2026, https://sustainabilityprojects.vassarspaces.net/items/show/436.