COSTA MESA, CA – Orange County Coastkeeper (Coastkeeper) has successfully diverted more than 6,000 pounds of oyster shells from landfills through its Shells for Shorelines initiative, which partners with local restaurants to reclaim oyster shells for marine restoration projects in Long Beach, Seal Beach, and Newport Beach.
“This is the type of program that is a win-win-win for everyone – restaurants are able to reduce food waste, marine biologists can lower program expenses, and the community can get involved in science projects that make an impact locally,” said Garry Brown, president and founder of Orange County Coastkeeper.
Through Shells for Shorelines, Coastkeeper collects discarded oyster shells from partner restaurants, including Bluewater Grill, The Cannery Newport Beach, Long Beach Yacht Club, Whole Foods Long Beach, and Glasspar. After diners enjoy their oysters, restaurant staff place the shells in containers that are collected regularly by Coastkeeper and transported to a storage facility at Irvine Ranch Water District’s San Joaquin Marsh – a long-time partner and supporter of Coastkeeper’s mission.
At the marsh, the shells undergo a natural year-long curing process under the sun, eliminating any harmful pathogens or organisms. Once cured, the renewed shells are used to grow native Olympia oyster populations as a part of Coastkeeper’s Living Shoreline projects, which aim to restore oysters and eelgrass locally.
“Oysters are critically important to the health of our marine ecosystems,” said Kaysha Kenney, marine restoration director at Orange County Coastkeeper. “Native Olympia oysters have the power to improve water quality, stabilize eroding shorelines, enhance habitat for fish and wildlife, and help our coastlines adapt to sea level rise. They’re truly miracle workers for the ocean.”
Coastkeeper is currently seeking additional restaurant partners, volunteers, and donors to join the Shells for Shorelines program. Participation is free for restaurants – Coastkeeper handles all logistics, including the collection and transportation of recycled oyster shells. Volunteers are needed to help transport the recycled shells from restaurants to the storage facility on a regular basis. Lastly, donors and corporate sponsors are needed to ensure this program can continue serving our community.
For more information on becoming a restaurant partner, volunteer, or donor, visit coastkeeper.org/shells-for-shorelines.
