Coastal restaurants typically go through thousands of pounds of oyster and hard clam shells in one season, all of which often gets sent to a landfill. 

However, these shells hold incredible ecological value!  When wild oysters spawn, the larvae seek the shells of other oysters onto which they will set and grow into elaborate reef structures, offering crucial habitat for a menagerie of other marine species. 

Working with local businesses, we have developed a robust Shell Recycling Program on Shelter Island. It is free to join, and upon signing up, participants receive shell collection buckets that are emptied and replaced on a regular schedule.  Rather than going to the landfill, the shells are placed on designate piles to cure for 6-12 months, after which they are clean and ready for us to use for our oyster reef restoration work.

Give Back to the Bays and help us restore oyster reefs by enjoying the shellfish offerings at our Shell Recycling Program Participants!

Are you a recreational harvester on Shelter Island and would like to contribute your shells to the program? Email Kate to become a “Shell Raiser”