Restaurant to reef

We’re Billion Oyster Project and we restore oyster reefs to New York Harbor with the shells from your table. Thank you for being part of New York’s coolest recycling initiative.

It took less than 100 years for New Yorkers to destroy 220,000 acres of native oyster reefs in New York Harbor and with it, an entire marine ecosystem. Now, the Billion Oyster Project is rebuilding these reefs to restore wildlife to our waterways and reconnect our city to its vibrant waterfront. 

GET INVOLVED

Keep in touch with us

We’re based on Governors Island, but our field work takes place across the boroughs. Sign-up for our quarterly newsletter and stay up to date with our numbers, events, and upcoming visit opportunities.

Love eating oysters?

You can help! The oyster, clam, and scallop shells you eat from 60+ NYC restaurants become the foundation for new oyster beds across the Harbor. Becoming a Billion Oyster Project Member gives you access to free oysters at our partner restaurants and more additional perks!

 

Check out our current restaurant partners recycling shells!

why oysters?

Filtering Water

The average adult oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water a day.

Creating Habitat

Like coral, oyster reefs are home to marine life and increase biodiversity.

Protecting shorelines

Rocky oyster reefs break strong waves and minimize erosion.

OUR MISSION

Billion Oyster Project is a nonprofit organization on a mission to restore oyster reefs to New York Harbor through public education initiatives. By 2035, we hope to restore one billion oysters with the help one million people. Founded on the belief that restoration without education is temporary, Billion Oyster Project collaborates with NYC public schools - designing STEM curriculum through a lens of oyster restoration and working with Urban Assembly New York Harbor School students in large-scale restoration projects. The project has planted over 75 million oysters across 16 acres and 18 restoration sites, with the help of more than 8,000 students and 11,000 volunteers.