NYC Revives Harbor Oyster Reefs

New York City is reintroducing millions of oysters into its harbor to clean the water and create marine habitats, aiming to rebuild massive oyster reefs that once rivaled coral reefs in complexity. Historically, oyster reefs were vast ecosystems—not just a few shellfish in the mud—but we lost these due to overharvesting and habitat destruction. By collecting used shells from local restaurants, the city provides new homes for juvenile oysters.