A study by the Smithsonian Environmental Research Centre, published in Marine Ecology Progress Series, finds that actively restoring oyster reefs can significantly improve habitat quality and biodiversity. The research, conducted in Maryland's Choptank River, utilized a cost-effective video method to rate habitat quality, alongside traditional photo analysis. The study discovered that restored reefs in oyster sanctuaries outperformed protected but unrestored reefs and harvest areas, with 74% of restored reefs in Harris Creek sanctuary achieving the highest rating for hard surface coverage and vertical structure. This research underscores the importance of active restoration in oyster habitats, suggesting that investing in sanctuaries can lead to self-sustaining reefs and contribute to increased harvests.