About | Owqtf

WHAT IS THE
TASK FORCE?

MISSION:

Recognizing the role that oyster habitat plays as an indicator of water quality, and the cultural importance of shellfish in our region, we seek to ensure the sustainability of oyster in the Guana, Tolomato, and Matanzas river by working to understand and improve the health of our estuarine waters.

WHO:

We are a voluntary group representing agency, academic, and community stakeholders concerned about the health of our estuarine waters and the capacity to harvest oysters for generations to come.

WHY:

Maintenance and expansion of oyster harvesting requires good water quality as well as healthy and abundant oyster habitat. Healthy, abundant oysters also serve as the estuary's natural filtration system and help to maintain good water quality.

HOW:

The first priority of the group was to assess the current state of the health of our estuarine waters and oyster habitats. The task force will then endeavor to develop strategies and actions that will maximize the health of oyster habitats and water quality.

The task force will provide research findings and recommendations to management agencies and other stakeholders; however, we are a not a regulatory group.

COMMITTEES:

To achieve this mission, the members of the OWQTF developed a working set of goals, objectives, and action items that drive their efforts. In 2019, the OWQTF re-established committees to organize their collaborative efforts.

TECHNICAL: We’ve pulled together a lot of data. We have some answered questions. What additional information do we need to help maintain oysters, reefs, and water quality? What are additional research questions? Who else is doing research? Who has funding, equipment?

MANAGEMENT: Who else should be included in the task force? How do we share technical information with agencies and land managers? Are there best practices that could be discussed? What does aquaculture look like in our area?