Oyster roast.
Mallory Maher, ©2024, Clemson Extension
Oyster Roast season is here, and this is your reminder to recycle your oyster shells! Our friends at the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) have organized a statewide oyster recycling program, where you can drop off your shells at one of their recycling centers across the state. Although most are in coastal locations, a few are in the Midlands and Upstate. To find your local oyster recycling center, see the SCORE Oyster Recycling Location Application.
SCDNR Score Program and Oyster Bags.
Mallory Maher, ©2024, Clemson Extension
So, what does SCDNR do with the oyster shells that you recycle? After the oyster shells are recycled, regardless of whether they originated in South Carolina or not, they are quarantined for at least 6 months. Once they’ve been quarantined, SCDNR staff and volunteers will fill mesh bags with oyster shells to restore shorelines through the South Carolina Oyster Recycling and Enhancement (SCORE) Program.
According to SCDNR, a record number of oysters were recycled this past year, totaling 42,203 bushels! Since 2001, 530,880 bushels have been recycled in South Carolina. Although those numbers are impressive, there is still a critical shortage of oyster shells required for SCDNR’s shoreline restoration efforts.
After the adult oysters release their fertilized eggs in the summer months, the eggs start their development process. Once their development is complete, the young oysters must find a hard substrate to attach to. Ideally, they attach to another oyster shell. If the juvenile oyster, also known as spat, does not find a place to attach to, they will die, which is why it is important to have oyster reefs.
Snowy Egret in marsh at low tide. Here, you can see the oyster reef exposed and the habitat it provides.
Mallory Maher, ©2024, Clemson Extension
Oysters and oyster reefs play an essential role in our environment. Oysters help improve water quality. An adult oyster can filter up to 2.5 gallons of water per hour! In addition, oyster reefs provide critical habitat for numerous species of fish, crabs, shrimp and more. Lastly, oyster reefs help prevent shoreline erosion by slowing down, reducing wave energy, and helping stabilize shorelines.
Regardless of whether you enjoy your oysters with hot sauce or with mignonette, or you eat them steamed, raw, or Rockefeller, be sure to recycle them and encourage your neighbors to do the same!
If you are interested in volunteering, you can participate in the South Carolina Oyster Recycling and Enhancement (SCORE) Program and help bag oysters in an event in your area! For more information, see SCORE Volunteer Opportunities.
To find your local oyster recycling center, see the SCORE Oyster Recycling Location Application.
