As we face global challenges, we may want to find local ways to make a difference in protecting endangered species, safeguarding water sources, and preventing marine debris. Science needs more eyes, ears, and perspectives than any scientist possesses Enter citizen science and our partner organizations.

The citizen-Science network is a collaboration of multiple private, government, and educational organizations and institutions, all working together, helping and supporting each other to further their independent research programs, sharing and making information available on a global scale to schools and other organizations, furthering man's understanding of our global ecosystem and the impact we have good and bad. 

If you are an independent researcher, a large institution, a High school science teacher, or a lifelong learner who wants to help a researcher, join our team.

If you want help to get your research out into the world to share with students and other organizations to view and learn from, Join out team and find out how we can help.

The New Haven Sound Schools Oyster Reef Program is a unique and impactful initiative that combines education with real-world restoration efforts. Students from various schools in the New Haven area participate in this program, learning about the ecological importance of oysters and the challenges facing their populations. They cultivate oyster larvae in classrooms, monitor water quality, and engage in hands-on reef construction and deployment. This program provides valuable scientific data for researchers studying the effectiveness of restoration efforts and fosters a sense of environmental responsibility and connection to the local ecosystem among the students. By engaging in this hands-on learning, students develop a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of marine life and the critical role they can play in protecting the Long Island Sound.

An oyster reef ball is a specially designed concrete sphere with a rough, textured surface. It is used in oyster restoration projects to create artificial reefs that provide a suitable habitat for oysters to attach and grow. Here's how it works:

• Habitat Creation: The reef ball's rough surface provides a large area for oyster larvae to settle and attach.
• Stability: The spherical shape makes the reef ball stable and resistant to wave action and currents, creating a protected environment for the oysters.
• Durability: The concrete material ensures the reef ball remains intact and provides a long-lasting habitat for the oyster colony.
• Ease of Deployment: The spherical shape makes reef balls easier to transport and deploy compared to other reef structures.

By placing these reef balls in strategic locations, oyster restoration projects can create new habitats that encourage the growth of oyster populations, benefiting the overall health of the ecosystem. 

The oyster species found in New Haven, CT is primarily the Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica). This species is native to the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic coast of North America, including the waters around New Haven.

While there might be a few other oyster species present in smaller quantities, the Eastern Oyster is the dominant and most significant species in the area. It plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem and is a target of many restoration efforts in the New Haven Sound.