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BARATARIA/TERREBONNE SHELLFISH CHALLENGE INITATIVE
Impact/Purpose:
The Gulf of Mexico Program conducted a Gulf-wide asessment of the causes for closure of shellfish harvesting waters. This resulted in an extensive list of potential causes. The first implementation assessment in the Barataria-Terrebonne watershed in Louisiana was undertaken to develop specific causes and a solution for each from the general information provided by the Gulf-wide assessment. This process resulted in the identification of 61 projects that would help meet the challenge. The Program is assisting the state in seeking ways of implementing the most highly ranked projects in the study area of the Barataria/Terrebonne National Estuary Program.
Description:
This project provides the resources to the Barataria/Terrebonne National Estuary Program to work toward implementation of projects in the four general categories below that will allow the opening of closed shellfish growing waters to harvest. v Connecting poorly operating septic systems to wastewater treatment facilities; w Reducing inputs of fecal coliform bacteria in storm water runoff from densely populated areas; x Properly treating or disposing of raw waste from commercial or recreational boats; y Improving oyster reefs by planting shell or other cultch in approved waters with proper salinity