Volunteers Wanted for Oyster Festival Shell Recycling

By Mark Demetropoulos

Volunteers are Needed to help gather oyster and clam shells from the upcoming Oyster Festival - and help build future shell reefs in our harbors to improve our waterways.

“We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to be a vital part of our environmental mission to help protect our harbor and improve our waterways.” stated Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joe Saladino.

"Shell Collection Station Attendants will help divert oyster and clam shells from landfills, which will instead be recycled and used for habitat restoration and growing new oysters," added Saladino. 

The annual Oyster Fest is being held on the weekend of October 19th and 20th, and the Town of Oyster Bay will coordinate the deployment of volunteers throughout the Oyster Fest to gather the shells for recycling.

"This wonderful initiative helps us restore the shellfish populations in our harbor while improving water quality.” stated Oyster Bay Councilwoman Michele Johnson.

The gathered shells will be transported by Town aquaculturists to a "curing facility," where they remain for several months prior to being strategically returned to the harbor to assist in the growth of new shellfish. 

Volunteers for this festival to commit to working three-hour shifts. These time slot shifts will be between 10:00AM and 7:00PM on both Saturday, October 19th and Sunday, October 20th.

Volunteer responsibilities will include identifying oyster and clam shells, overseeing a shell collection stations,  guiding festival goers in correctly depositing shells, answering questions about the shell recycling program, and educating the public about shell recycling.

Volunteers will receive giveaways including a t-shirt, as well as community service hours for their participation.  Interested volunteers can contact the Oyster Bay Department of Environmental Resources at (516) 677-5943; or by emailing Environmental@oysterbay-ny.gov.

For more information about the program, visit www.oysterbaytown.com/shellrecycling.