NYC’s oyster shells aren’t just for dinner—they’re restoring the harbor! See how the Billion Oyster Project is bringing oysters back, one shell at a time.
New York City is known for its incredible food scene, but did you know that the oyster shells from your favorite seafood spot might be helping to restore the New York Harbor? Enter the Billion Oyster Project.
How it all works
The Billion Oyster Project launched its program in 2015 with a simple idea: collect discarded oyster shells from restaurants and use them to create new oyster reefs. These reefs help filter and clean the harbor, creating a healthier ecosystem.
Today, the project collects shells from over 75 restaurants across NYC, working with partners like The Lobster Place. These wholesale seafood distributors help transport the shells to Governors Island. The oyster shells are left to cure for a year before becoming a foundation for new oyster habitats.
Why oysters matter
Besides being a delicious staple in seafood cuisine, oysters are nature’s water filters. Each oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day. So when you multiply that by a billion (the project’s goal), you get an entire harbor being filtered every three days.
The power of volunteers
While NYC restaurants provide the shells, the volunteers keep the program running. Whether sorting, cleaning, or helping with reef restoration, these individuals—from locals to international visitors—are the heart of the operation.
For some, volunteering is a way to connect with nature; for others, it’s about taking real, hands-on action to improve the environment.
How you can get involved
If you’re in NYC, you can volunteer at the Governors Island shell site, helping with the cleaning and sorting process. You can also support the restaurants that participate in the program. Places like Gramercy Tavern and many others are making a real impact by donating their shells.
Check out the Billion Oyster Project website for a full list of participating restaurants and volunteer opportunities.
Because if we all do a little, we can accomplish something pretty big—like bringing back a billion oysters.
