Join us with the Charleston Waterkeeper volunteers and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources’ oyster team as we bag recycled oyster shell, which will be used in SCDNR oyster reef restoration projects next year!
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 bags ready to be placed in the waterways. Spat, which are baby oysters, are attracted to and settle on the shell in these bags creating new oyster growth and eventually new oyster reefs.
The shell you bag will be used in future SCDNR oyster restoration projects throughout the coast of South Carolina, supporting our wild oyster populations and 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 safe and clean. Oyster reefs also protect our shorelines from erosion and flooding by breaking up wind and wave energy and supporting and protecting our salt marsh habitat.
What to wear:
- Closed-toe shoes
- Appropriate clothes for that day’s weather
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle – there will be a water cooler to refill
We hope you will join us for a bushel of fun in bagging recycled oyster shell as they are such a critical component to future oyster restoration projects! Please reach out to Rachel Hawes at [email protected] with any questions!