Restaurant Shell Recycling
Recycling oyster shells in restaurants is a crucial step toward our goal of growing 5 million oysters over the next five years. Recycled shells provide a natural substrate for baby oysters, known as spat, to attach themselves, similar to what they would do on a natural oyster reef. This not only offers some protection but also allows volunteers like you to handle and track the oysters more easily!
As we strive to plant 5 million oysters, the support of restaurants in collecting and recycling oyster shells becomes even more crucial. Your love for oysters plays a vital role in this effort—by enjoying oysters at your favorite restaurants, you help ensure that the shells can be recycled and contribute to the growth of our oyster populations.
Transforming Your Oyster Platter into an Oyster Condo!
Oyster shells are the best material for rebuilding oyster reefs, and their scarcity only highlights their importance. Eating oysters can actively contribute to growing the population, as recycled shells play a crucial role in restoration.
During their early weeks, oysters are particularly vulnerable, and larvae require a hard surface, or substrate, to attach for survival. In their natural environment, they instinctively latch onto other oysters, creating that beneficial clump effect. One recycled oyster shell can host over 10 baby oysters, known as spat. This means that for every oyster you consume, you could be helping to create habitat for 20 more oysters in the Bay.
Support Shell Recovery
One of the easiest ways to contribute to the restoration of the native oyster population is by enjoying oysters from shuck-friendly restaurants and ensuring their shells are recycled. Instead of ending up in landfills, these shells can be collected, cleaned, and repurposed by being seeded with baby oysters. After being nurtured in Oyster Gardens, they are eventually returned to the Chesapeake Bay, helping to revitalize the ecosystem. So next time you go out for oysters in Baltimore, ask whether the restaurant participates in shell recycling. Then your choice won’t just taste good- it will support a sustainable cycle in our waterways!
Eat at Participating Oyster Shell Recovery Restaurants
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Receive updates on our oyster restoration efforts, volunteer opportunities, and community events. Join us in making a difference and be part of a community dedicated to revitalizing our waterfront.