One step in restoring the number of hardy oysters in Chesapeake Bay is the recent construction of Chesapeake Gold, a 32' fiberglass workboat commissioned by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to help replenish Virginia's oyster populace.  To power this craft and ensure no damage is done to the environment, Honda Marine discounted two of its award-winning, 200-hp, 4-stroke outboards.

In its prime, the oyster population could filter the bay's water in three to four days.  However, in a little over a century, increased pollution, over-harvest and disease have reduced the population to 2% of its historic levels.  In response, the area's scientific community has devised a plan to rebuild and stock at least 200 three-dimensional reefs in sanctuary areas.

Built by Norfolk waterman Pete Nixon and funded by private donations, the Chesapeake Gold is based at the Foundation's oyster farm in Gloucester Point, off the York River.  From there, the craft ferries specially grown oysters to artificial reefs in the lower Chesapeake.  The foundation planted over 1,000,000 oysters each in 2001 and 2002, with 1,000,000 more projected to go overboard in June of this year.

Honda Senior Manager Tom Riggle said, "The health of America's waters must be the concern of every citizen.  We at Honda intend to do our part.  Our BF200 4-strokes will keep Chesapeake Gold on the job for as long as it takes."

Honda produces a line of extremely clean, quiet and fuel-efficient 4-stroke outboards from 2 hp to 225 hp.

Contact Honda Marine, 4900 Marconi Drive, Alpharetta, GA 30005.