RECYCLING OYSTER SHELLS HELPS REFURBISH SHELLFISH GROUNDS
Recycling oyster shells provides S.C. Department of Natural Resources an
opportunity to refurbish shellfish grounds with local shells for new
generations of oysters to grow. This time of the year, when oyster
roasts are plentiful, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
reminds the public that recycling oyster shells helps to enhance
harvestable public shellfish grounds. Every shell recycled is replanted
back into the estuarine environment, replenishing and helping to sustain
the oyster resource. Replanting shells during the warmer water seasons
is part of the cycle for maintaining the resource by providing a
substrate for oyster spat to attach. Oysters are also important to the
marine environment, serving as ecosystem engineers and fish habitat. DNR
maintains 19 coastal recycling drop-off locations, spanning from
Murrells Inlet south to Hilton Head where the public can recycle their
shells. For detailed maps and directions to recycling drop-off
locations, visit http://saltwaterfishing.sc.gov/oyster.html, or call
(843) 953-9854. DNR's Shell Recycling and Restoration Program
coordinators will arrange to pick-up large quantities of recycled
shells, 20 bushels or greater, following large oyster roasts. #07-349
