Restoring our native population of Olympia Oysters through community involvement
About the Project
The Shell String Project invites participants to “oyster garden” by caring for baby Olympia Oysters. Each person nurtures their Shell String, returning it at season’s end to place the young oysters in restored beds. It’s easy and fun for families, with our team providing shells and guidance while you handle maintenance and growth. At season’s close, our scientists help identify and count the offspring, fostering native Olympia Oysters and benefiting local waterways.
NOTE: Shell strings can only be placed where permission and permits have been granted from governing agencies. Do not pollute.
What Are Shell Strings?
Shell Strings are habitats that we use to grow native Olympia Oysters. Clean oyster shells are drilled and strung on a wire rope, creating the needed home for oyster larvae to settle on. Shell strings act as underwater nurseries for baby Olympia oysters. Strung on ropes, these recycled shells provide a perfect place for larvae to settle and grow, replenishing our native oyster beds.
Click here to learn more about how we recycle oyster shells from local restaurants to reduce food waste and program costs!
How Shell Strings Are Used for Oyster Recruitment
Native Olympia Oysters
Olympia Oysters (Ostrea lurida) are our only native species of oyster on the west coast of the United States. In the last 100 years, their population has diminished by 75-90% of historical numbers, and the benefits they provide are being lost. Olympia Oysters are an important component of our coastal ecosystem because of their ability to filter water, stabilize shorelines, and provide habitat and food for many other species.
Support Shell Strings
Host a Shell String
Building Event
Gather your friends or teammates and host a fun shell string building event! Our team will lead you through this hands-on marine restoration activity, supplying all the materials, equipment, and expert guidance you need.
Contact Kelsey at kelsey@coastkeeper.org for more information.
Adopt a
Shell String
Do you own or rent a dock in Alamitos Bay or Huntington Harbour? With our assistance, you can help boost native oyster populations by suspending shell strings from your dock during the summer.
Contact Kaysha at kaysha@coastkeeper.org for more information.
