More than 4,600 tons of limestone are on their way from Northwest Alabama to help rebuild oyster reefs and improve water quality along Alabama’s Gulf Coast.
The Alabama Wildlife Federation (AWF), in partnership with Vulcan Materials Company and Cooper Marine, announced that limestone from Vulcan’s Pride Quarry in Tuscumbia has been loaded onto barges and is making its way down the Tennessee and Tombigbee rivers to Mobile Bay.
Once it arrives, the limestone will be deployed near Cedar Point as oyster cultch, the hard material young oysters attach to as they grow into reefs.
The project will restore approximately 50 acres of historic oyster reef near Cedar Point, adjacent to some of Alabama’s most productive oyster habitat. It marks AWF’s fourth privately funded oyster cultch planting and builds on a 77-acre restoration completed in 2023.
Tim Gothard, executive director of the Alabama Wildlife Federation, said the project supports long-term wildlife conservation while aligning with Alabama’s broader oyster restoration goals.
He said restoring oyster reefs benefits marine habitat, improves water quality and helps ensure healthy coastal resources for future generations. Gothard credited Vulcan Materials Company, Cooper Marine and other private supporters for making the project possible through private funding.
The limestone was donated in part by Vulcan Materials Company, while Cooper Marine donated a portion of the transportation costs. Private AWF Oyster Restoration Funds are covering the remaining costs associated with the material, transportation and deployment.
“Our participation in this project echoes our commitment to Alabama’s natural resources and environmental upkeep,” said Angus Cooper, president of Cooper Group. “We are proud to be a part of the partnership with Vulcan Materials Company, AWF and others in this restoration effort on the Gulf Coast.”
According to AWF, successful restoration of the reef could support sustainable oyster harvests, improve habitat for fish and other marine life, and enhance water quality by increasing the number of oysters filtering Mobile Bay’s waters.
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