Follow That Shell: A Big Move for Oyster Shell

February 27, 2025, marked a significant milestone in our shell recycling and oyster reef restoration efforts. The Mass Oyster Project, in collaboration with the Yarmouth Shellfish Collective—a partnership including A.R.C. Hatchery, Friends of Bass River, the Yarmouth Division of Natural Resources, the Mass Oyster Project, and the Yarmouth Division of Public Works—successfully transported over 11,000 pounds of recycled oyster shells from the Yarmouth transfer station to A.R.C. Hatchery in Dennis, where they will undergo a crucial aging process before being used in future restoration projects.

A Growing Effort in Shell Recycling

For the past three years, we have collaborated with 25 restaurants across Cape Cod to collect discarded oyster shells. We repurpose these shells, which would otherwise end up in landfills, to help rebuild oyster habitats. In 2024 alone, we collected 66,000 pounds of shells—an impressive 14% increase from the previous year. Since the program began in 2021, we have prevented over 185,000 pounds of shells from going to waste and redirected them toward environmental restoration efforts.

A Collective Effort for a Healthier Ecosystem

The success of this initiative would not have been possible without the dedication of local restaurants, volunteers, and partner organizations. By partnering with the Yarmouth Shellfish Collective, we continue to make meaningful strides in preserving Cape Cod’s marine habitats and ensuring a sustainable oyster future.