Oysters may be small, but they’re doing big work on Florida’s coastline. And thanks to a major reef restoration effort led by the Wakulla Environmental Institute (WEI) at Tallahassee State College, their impact is expanding in powerful ways.

With support from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Tall Timbers, more than 1,000 concrete reef domes have been deployed in the waters off Wakulla County. These domes provide a stable foundation where oysters can thrive—even in the face of hurricanes and rising sea levels. But their purpose goes beyond the shellfish themselves. These reefs are protecting shorelines from erosion, improving water quality through natural filtration, fostering diverse marine ecosystems, and bolstering the region’s resilience to climate change.

This project isn’t just an environmental win—it’s an educational triumph. Students in our Oyster Aquaculture program are gaining real-world experience in sustainable marine science, aquaculture operations, and coastal restoration. They’re not only learning how to grow oysters—they’re learning how to grow opportunity. Graduates are launching their own oyster farms, contributing to Florida’s working waterfronts, and leading the way in environmental entrepreneurship.

This kind of hands-on, purpose-driven learning is exactly what Tallahassee State College is known for. Our programs are designed to prepare students not just for jobs, but for leadership in high-demand, high-impact fields. And at WEI, that preparation comes with a view of the Gulf, a pair of waterproof boots, and a chance to make a lasting difference.

The restoration effort also reflects the strength of collaboration. From government agencies and researchers to students, faculty, and local stakeholders, this project is a model for how partnerships can create lasting environmental and economic value.

I encourage you to watch this short video, which beautifully captures the spirit of this partnership and the impact it’s having on our region:

We’re proud to be at the forefront of efforts that protect our natural resources while training the next generation of environmental leaders. At Tallahassee State College, we believe that the future of our coast—and our communities—starts here.