Shell Bank: Oyster shell recycling, citizen engagement, hands-on learning, & reef characterization

Summary

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) will continue the oyster shell recycling program. TAMU-CC developed the program to reclaim and recycle shucked oyster shells from Coastal Bend restaurants, seafood wholesalers, and seafood festivals for use in reef restoration. At two community-based oyster restoration events, volunteers will fill mesh bags with reclaimed oyster shells to create reef building blocks. In the future, the shell bags will be used to build oyster reef at the Goose Island State Park to protect and stabilize the eroding marsh for living shoreline restoration activities. TAMU-CC will conduct sampling and facilitate two field monitoring events to teach students about habitat restoration and its role in conserving coastal environments.