Eelgrass (Zostera marina) is a foundation species in coastal waters that provide vital ecosystem services from habitat provision to trophic support. However, populations have declined globally at alarming rates including within Upper Newport Bay (UNB), CA. A multi-habitat restoration approach with native oysters ( Ostrea lurida) may be key to promoting more successful eelgrass restoration. Oysters may increase nitrogenous nutrients in sediment porewater for uptake by eelgrass by mediating nitrogen transfer via filter-feeding and depositing nitrogenous waste. Resource managers are concerned about the efficacy of co-restoration with oysters due to potential negative interactions with eelgrass, a protected species. Little research has been conducted to date to address the efficacy of restoring these species together. In summers 2019 and 2021, we collected eelgrass shoots and pore-water samples from three restored sites within UNB, each with eelgrass restored alone versus eelgrass restored adjacent to oysters. We measured leaf and rhizome growth rates, above and below ground dry weight, and pore-water NH 4 and NO3 concentrations. We analyzed these response metrics relative to distance from and density of oyster beds using co-variogram models. Preliminary results indicated positive associations between oysters and eelgrass at closer distances but only at some sites, with no significant associations at others. Given this generally neutral relationship, project managers should consider restoring both species in combination because each species can return unique ecosystem functions.