Meet The Ninth Grader Who’s Helping Restore Oyster Reefs

Demi Johnson, a ninth-grade student in Gulfport, Mississippi, was awarded by the National Geographic Society for her innovative work restoring oyster reefs. In 2024 she managed to grow more than 1,000 oysters, which will contribute to the regeneration of the marine ecosystem by releasing millions of larvae and improving water quality.

Her interest in conservation began in seventh grade, when she discovered the importance of oysters in filtrating water and creating habitats for other species. For her project, she developed a breeding system in cages suspended from a dock, allowing oysters to strengthen the ecosystem as they breed.

Her innovative approach has not only garnered her international recognition but has also inspired other young people to participate in environmental protection. With plans to expand her project and a firm intention to become an environmental advocate, Demi looks to continue her work for marine sustainability and conservation.