TRANSCRIPT:
Hello this is Dr. Tom Mullikin with SCDNR for Into the Wild.
An oyster shell may look like the end of a meal, but along the South Carolina coast, it can also be the beginning of something new.
Young oysters need a hard surface where they can attach and grow. In our estuaries, old oyster shell provides that foundation, helping new generations build reefs over time.
Those reefs become much more than a place for oysters. They create shelter for fish, shrimp, crabs, and other animals. Oysters also filter particles from the water as they feed, while the reef can help reduce wave energy along the shoreline.
That is why recycling oyster shell matters. Instead of sending a useful piece of habitat to a landfill, we can return it to the coast and let natural processes put it back to work.
The next time you enjoy a South Carolina oyster, remember that the shell still has a job to do. Recycle it, and give the next oyster a place to grow.