The Oyster Recovery Partnership¹s shell recycling program collected a
record-breaking 1,169 tons (33,400 bushels) of oyster shell from 340 member
establishments throughout the Chesapeake Bay area in 2017, illustrating the
increasing efforts and commitment of local businesses to help restore the
region¹s oyster population. The year¹s top contributors are restaurants and
seafood suppliers in Annapolis, Baltimore, Hunt Valley, Jessup and
Washington, D.C.
³As our name suggests, the fundamental pillar of the Oyster Recovery
Partnership is our partners,² said ORP Executive Director Stephan Abel. ³The
largescale Chesapeake Bay oyster restoration projects seen today would not
be possible without the help and resources of our diverse group of
supporters. We¹re fortunate and grateful that the community has
wholeheartedly embraced shell recycling for the greater good of our
environment.²
Since the Shell Recycling Alliance¹s launch in 2010, ORP has reclaimed
143,000 bushels of shell, which equates to 5,005 tons kept out of area
landfills, approximately $300,000 saved by local businesses in waste
collection fees, and enough substrate to support the planting of 715 million
oysters in local waters. The program is the nation¹s largest shell recycling
network with 340 member seafood businesses and 61 public shell drop off
sites throughout Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia.
For more information, visit www.oysterrecovery.org.