The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL) is collecting oyster shells from New Orleans restaurants to restore oyster reefs and shoreline habitat in Coastal Louisiana.

CRCL began working with local restaurants in New Orleans, as part of its Oyster Shell Recycling Program, to collect their used shells in order to rebuild the reefs.

Louisiana’s coastal reefs can offer the state protection from hurricanes, but oyster harvesting has led to declines in the reefs.

Oysters and oyster reefs help improve water quality, provide ideal fishing habitat, and support the local economy.

Louisiana produces approximately one-third of the nation’s oysters, according to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA).

CRCL’s Oyster Shell Recycling Program, the first of its kind in Louisiana, was launched in June 2014 and has become one of the largest shell recycling programs in the state.

CRCL has collected over 5,000 tonnes or more than 10,000,000 pounds of shell from 31 local restaurants since the recycling scheme began.

Image Credit: Local Motives

 CRCL has collected over 5,000 tons, or 10,000,000 pounds of shell from 31 local restaurants

Rosa Medea is Life & Soul Magazine’s Chief. She writes about lifestyle including sustainable and green living

CRCL has collected over 5,000 tons, or 10,000,000 pounds of shell from 31 local restaurants

CRCL has collected over 5,000 tons, or 10,000,000 pounds of shell from 31 local restaurants