Your next meal out on the town could help save the waters of Tampa Bay, thanks to a new local initiative. Tampa Bay Watch has launched Shells for Shorelines, an oyster shell recycling program that takes discarded oyster shells from local restaurants and uses them to restore oyster reef habitats, which are essential to Tampa Bay’s ecosystem.

More than half a dozen area restaurants have signed up already, storing their discarded oyster shells for pickup and use by Shells for Shorelines. Upon retrieval, the shells are transported to Tampa Bay Watch’s specialized cleaning and curing station at Fort De Soto to cure for a minimum of 90 days. Once cured, they are used to create shell bags and vertical oyster gardens distributed throughout the Tampa Bay estuary by Tampa Bay Watch staff and volunteers.

Since its launch in 2022, Shells for Shorelines has recycled more than 102,000 pounds of oyster shells from the seven participating restaurants. The ocean-saving initiative is a collaboration with the Gulf Region Oyster Network, generously funded by Duke Energy, Neptune Flood, and a $1,141,971 grant through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Restore America’s Estuaries.

The ecological impact of Shells for Shorelines is widespread, as the oyster reefs provide sanctuary for a variety of marine animals, while also serving as a vital food source for larger aquatic life. The reefs also contribute to water filtration, promoting clearer water and flourishing seagrasses.

Of course, the benefits aren’t limited to aquatic life. Oyster reefs naturally mitigate coastal erosion, a key point of concern in our area, particularly during hurricane season. The program also supports green and blue initiatives for the local restaurants, helping reduce food waste and providing a direct way to support the ecosystem they depend on for many of their products.

“Being part of the Shells for Shorelines program has not only been an eye-opening experience for us but also for our staff and customers,” said the Owner and Operator of the Oyster Bar, Josh Cameron. “It’s inspiring to see how a simple act–like saving oyster shells–can have such a profound impact on the health of Tampa Bay. This initiative aligns perfectly with our own sustainability goals and we look forward to contributing to the long-term vitality of our local marine ecosystems.”

Restaurants interested in participating in Shells for Shorelines can email Rick Radigan at rradigan(at)tampabaywatch.org. Participating restaurants include:

• OysterCatchers
• Crabby Bill’s St. Pete Beach
• Crabby Bill’s Indian Rocks Beach
• The Helm Coastal Fare and Provisions
• CoCo’s Crush Bar and Grill North Clearwater Beach
• The Oyster Bar
• The Island Grille and Raw Bar