Florida's Oyster Shell Recycling Boosts Gulf Reefs, Cleans Water

Florida dumped over 500,000 tons of used oyster shells into the Gulf of Mexico between 2007 and 2024. The shells were collected from seafood restaurants and processing businesses to restore damaged marine environments. The discarded shells provide a hard surface for young oysters to attach and grow, surprising researchers in the development of new reefs and cleaner water.