Friday, January 27, 2023 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. Charleston

Volunteer: Manufactured Wire Reef Construction with SCDNR

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Restaurants and the public recycle their oyster shell through SCDNR’s oyster shell recycling drop off sites. After the shell is quarantined and cleaned, it is added to wire cages, which are placed in the waterways. Spat, which are baby oysters, are attracted to and settle on the shell in these wire cages creating new oyster growth and eventually new oyster reefs.

Using power tools (experience not necessary), we will shape the wire into oyster cages and add recycled oyster shell inside. These wire oyster reefs will be used in future SCDNR oyster restoration projects in South Carolina, supporting our wild oyster populations and protecting shorelines.

Oyster reefs are crucial to our estuaries supporting many recreationally and commercially important fish species, birds, mammals, and, of course, humans! On top of this, one adult oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water in a day helping keep our waterways clean. Oyster reefs also protect our shorelines from erosion and flooding by breaking up wind and wave energy and supporting our salt marsh habitat.

We hope you will join us for a bushel of fun in creating these wire oyster reefs as they are such a critical component to future oyster restoration projects! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to [email protected] 

What to wear and bring:

  • Closed-toe shoes
  • Appropriate clothes for that day’s weather
  • Hat
  • Reusable water bottle – there will be a water cooler to refill

 

RSVP

[email protected] · Rachel Hawes

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