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Oyster Shells Get New Life in Mississippi Waters
19 Sep
Summary
- Mississippi's pilot program recycled oyster shells from restaurants.
- The initiative used a $650,000 grant from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
- Recycled shells provide vital cultch for young oysters to grow.
From 2020 through 2023, Mississippi operated the "Save Our Shells" pilot program, a unique initiative focused on oyster shell recycling. This program collected discarded shells from Gulf Coast restaurants, reprocessing them as cultch to support the growth of young oysters.
The Mississippi Sound Oyster Shell Recycling Program received approximately $650,000 in funding through a RESTORE Act grant. These funds, derived from civil penalties related to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, were specifically allocated for Gulf Coast restoration efforts. The Nature Conservancy managed the program, with initial phases dedicated to planning and infrastructure development before shell collection commenced in 2023.
After processing to eliminate bacteria, the shells are returned to the ocean, serving as a preferred substrate for oysters over artificial materials like concrete or limestone. Research indicates that reefs built with shell cultch can significantly enhance oyster biomass and growth rates, contributing to both ecological health and the development of commercial fisheries.
Mississippi's approach differed by securing a comprehensive grant upfront, allowing for extensive planning and infrastructure buildup. This method facilitated setting ambitious collection goals and ensured that shells, which might otherwise end up in landfills, are utilized to create vital oyster reefs that also aid in water filtration.
