Thousands of oyster shells were collected from the Oyster Festival this weekend for recycling in the waters around Oyster Bay Town. The shells, of which there were more than three tons, were transported by Town aqua-culturists to a curing facility, where they remain for several months prior to being strategically returned to the harbor to assist in the growth of new shellfish under the Town’s Shell Recycling Program.
“You can’t have the Oyster Festival without oysters, and thousands of residents enjoyed this delicacy during the weekend’s festivities,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “Thanks to a new initiative we recently launched, their shells will not go to waste."
The shells provide an excellent source of habitat for young shellfish to grow and mature, offering protection from weather conditions and predators. Just one single shellfish can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day.
“It’s amazing what can happen if we just let Mother Nature take its course – which just a little help from us,” Saladino said.
Any restaurant owner interested in partnering with the Town of Oyster Bay on the Shell Recycling Program can click here for more information.