Oyster Reef Balls Deployed at Hillsmere Shores Marina
- Arundel Rivers Federation
- Jun 18
- 1 min read

On Wednesday June 18, Arundel Rivers Federation and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation marked a major step forward on the Hillsmere Shores Marina shoreline resiliency project with the deployment of oyster reef balls. These reef balls, seeded with spat or baby oysters, will help stabilize the shoreline, filter water, and create critical habitat in Duvall Creek and the South River.
This deployment was part of a larger, ongoing shoreline restoration effort aimed at combating erosion, stabilizing the shoreline, and improving water quality in the South River. The reef balls not only provide essential habitat for oysters but also act as natural breakwaters, reducing the impact of waves and boat wake on vulnerable shorelines. As the oysters mature, they will collectively filter thousands of gallons of water daily, helping to clean the creek and support the broader Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.
The Hillsmere Shores Marina Living Shoreline Project is just one example of how Arundel Rivers Federation and its partners are working to protect Anne Arundel County’s waterways. By combining science, community engagement, and practical conservation strategies, projects like this are helping to build a more resilient future for our rivers and our communities.