Rick Crawford
As someone born and raised in the Lowcountry, oysters are a big part of our culture. We love our oysters, which come in the form of clusters, or what we locals call “blades” and are always excited get together for an oyster roast, but what happens to all of those shells when the party is over?
Well, thanks to South Carolina Oyster Restoration and Enhancement (S.C.O.R.E.) program, we are able to recycle our oyster shells and turn them into new reefs. According to the SCORE website, “The purpose of the SCORE program is to restore and enhance oyster habitat by planting recycled oyster shells in the intertidal environment to form new, self-sustaining oyster reefs all with the help of volunteers.” A few months ago I tagged along for Flood Tide Co.’s quarterly volunteer event with with Charleston Waterkeeper bagging recycled oyster shells in preparation for building an oyster reef, but why is it so important to recycle and build new oyster reefs?
Oysters are in decline across the entire Eastern seaboard and they play a vitally important ecologic role by protecting shorelines from erosion, as well as providing habitat for shrimp and crabs which attracts redfish, speckled trout and flounder. Additionally, oysters help to keep our waterways clean. In fact, a single oyster can filter 50 gallons of water per day! In short, by recycling oyster shells and turning them into new reefs we are working to make a positive impact in our community while enhancing our fishery. What’s not to like?
Here’s some photos (PC: Charleston Waterkeeper) from a recent oyster reef build we did with our clients, Flood Tide Co. and a host of other volunteers:
As oyster season is technically already here, although too hot still if you ask me, don’t forget to recycle your shells so that we can continue to protect the coast and fishery that we love so dearly.
Special thanks to Flood Tide Co. for partnering with Charleston Waterkeeper to co-host the oyster reef build and to SC DNR SCORE program for providing a way of us to give back and protect what we love!