Connecticut Shell Recyclers Provide Homes for Oysters
Chain-Smoking Crusaders of the Tide: Two guys in Connecticut, Tim Macklin and Todd Koehnke, are on a one-man mission to save New England's oyster populations - one shell at a time. These marine renegades have launched a statewide program, Collective Oyster Recycling &Restoration (CORR), to collect discarded shells from local eateries, dry them, and return them to Long Island Sound for oyster reef restoration.
Their efforts are part of a growing movement to reverse the steep decline in oyster populations along U.S. coastlines, a fallout attributable to overharvesting, habitat degradation, disease, and, notably, the wasteful habits of seafood lovers. CORR is a small yet influential player compared to bigger programs that process over a million pounds of shell annually. Yet, in a world where size doesn't always matter, they're making a significant impact.
In 2024, CORR collected approximately 375,000 pounds of shells and are set to surpass 400,000 pounds this year, with plans to keep growing. But these aren't just any ordinary crusaders, armed with superpowers or fancy technology. This duo is essentially self-financed, with Sandra Brooke, a researcher at Florida State University, praising their efforts as remarkable for their size.
Macklin and Koehnke stumbled upon oyster shell recycling about a decade ago while serving on a local shellfish commission. Shocked to discover Connecticut's lack of a robust shell recycling program, they started the recycling efforts sporadically, collecting discarded shells on their own time. In 2023, they secured a $400,000 grant and enlisted assistance from Eric Victor, a retired fellow commission member. With the funding and support, they left their respective jobs and took their quest to restore not just oyster populations but the ecosystem as a whole to the next level.
The recycling process is manual, labor-intensive, and simple: they supply restaurants with 5-gallon screw-top buckets for discarded shells (oysters, clams, even mussels), collect them weekly, and transport them high, dry, and odor-free to a storage site in East Haven. The shells rest there for at least six months to kill any bacteria before being returned to the water at designated restoration sites. Once planted, the shells become the perfect nesting ground for oyster larvae, providing them with the essential surface to grow on, hence the nickname "Grandpa shells."
While it's too early to gauge the impact of CORR's efforts, Agriculture Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt is optimistic about their potential to support not only the environment but also the long-term viability of Connecticut's aquaculture industry. In the meantime, oyster-loving establishments like the upscale Oyster Club, where chef Dan Meiser shucked nearly 300,000 oysters last year, are thrilled to be part of the program. After all, every oyster they consume carries the promise of becoming part of the tide's new generation.
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Fun Fact: Did you know that oysters can filter up to 50 gallons of water daily? That's like cleaning a standard bathtub every hour! Now, wouldn't it be great if we could get more people to clean up their act too?
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Why are oysters important for the environment? Oysters help maintain water quality, prevent coastal erosion, and create habitat for other marine life by forming reefs that filter out pollutants and support biodiversity.
- What is the role of oyster shell recycling programs? Oyster shell recycling programs aim to reduce waste and promote recycling by collecting and recycling oyster shells for use in artificial reef construction.
- What are the benefits of artificial oyster reefs? Artificial oyster reefs offer numerous benefits, including creating habitats for various marine species, improving water quality, and protecting shorelines from erosion.
- The declining oyster populations along U.S. coastlines, due to factors like overharvesting, habitat degradation, disease, and improper waste disposal by seafood lovers, are undergoing restoration efforts, with Connecticut's Collective Oyster Recycling & Restoration (CORR) playing a significant role.
- Current scientific observations indicate that Oysters, being efficient water filtration systems, can process up to 50 gallons of water daily, equivalent to cleaning a standard bathtub every hour.
- Oyster-loving establishments, understanding the importance of environmental sustainability, are partnering with CORR, such as the upscale Oyster Club, contributing to the mission of preserving and growing oyster populations for a healthier ecosystem.
- In an effort to reverse the impact of climate change and enhance Connecticut's aquaculture industry, Agriculture Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt is optimistic about CORR's potential.
- By actively participating in oyster shell recycling, residents of Connecticut can contribute to environmental conservation, support their local aquaculture, and engage in sustainable living.
- As the home-and-garden movement continues to grow, embracing principles of environmental science and sustainable living, it's essential to acknowledge the role that initiatives like CORR play in preserving our planet's delicate ecosystems and mitigating the effects of climate change.
