Reviewed by: Pat Byington
Alabama’s oyster shell recycling program has now out-weighed 7,700 manatees
Reading time: 2 minutes
Alabama’s oyster shells are piling up for a good cause.
The Alabama Coastal Foundation (ACF) marked National Oyster Day on Wednesday, Aug. 5, by thanking the restaurants that power its Alabama Oyster Shell Recycling Program — and the numbers behind it are hard to ignore.
Alabama Oyster Shell Recycling Program hits 30.4 million shells
The oyster recycling program collects used oyster shells from participating restaurants and returns them to Alabama’s coastal waters, where they help rebuild reef habitat. As of last month, the totals had climbed to:
- 30.4 million+ oyster shells collected as of last month
- Roughly the weight of 642 elephants or 7,706 manatees
Recycled shells are essential for rebuilding oyster reefs, which filter water and provide habitat along the Alabama coast. ACF says every restaurant partner and individual donor has helped push the program to this point.
How to support Alabama’s oyster reef restoration
Want to pitch in? Diners can start by supporting the restaurants already participating in the Alabama Oyster Shell Recycling Program, since every shell they return helps grow the reef.
Anyone can also give directly. ACF’s “shuck a buck” option lets donors chip in through its secure donation page, with funds going straight back into the recycling and reef-building effort.
Alabama sea turtle nesting season update: 89 nests and counting
Nesting season is also in full swing. Share the Beach volunteers have secured 89 sea turtle nests so far, with more than 450 hatchlings making it to the Gulf.
ACF is asking beachgoers to help by keeping beaches clean, flat and dark. The ACF Shore Store now offers free local delivery on its Share the Beach flashlights, designed to avoid disorienting nesting turtles after dark.
