Oyster Shell Recycling

Bags of shell ready to be placed in the creek

The Conservancy has started a new program to reduce waste and provide an important resource for conservation efforts: oyster shell recycling!

Oyster shells are a valuable tool for coastal restoration. Shells that would otherwise be treated as trash can be repurposed for conservation strategies like living shorelines. Living shorelines are structures made from natural materials which help slow shoreline erosion. Recycled oyster shells are used to make living shorelines—shells are collected in mesh bags and these filled bags are used to build an artificial oyster reef. Baby oysters, called “spat,” settle on the old oyster shell and grow into adult oysters, making the living shoreline resemble more of a natural oyster reef.

These living shorelines, in addition to protecting coastlines, provide habitat for marine life. Oyster reefs are important for providing refuge for animals that need protection from predators, and are an essential habitat for organisms like crabs, fish, and shrimp that live in the marsh. The oysters also help improve water quality by filtering water.

Section of restored oyster reef on Bald Head Island

In order to be able to support future living shoreline projects and keep oyster shells from being thrown away, the Bald Head Island Conservancy has partnered with local restaurants to recycle oyster shells, giving this unassuming material a second life. Restaurants including Cozumel, the Maritime Market, the Shoals Club, and the BHI Club have been participating in the early phases of this project and have been successful at collecting shells to be picked up every week, or when they have an event. You can do your part by bringing your oyster/clam shells to shell recycling bins at the Public Creek Access or the Conservancy Campus. This initiative has been the culmination of community effort and is paving the way for future conservation projects.

Tabitha Ormond, Conservation Intern