VCU news

By Anne Dreyfuss
C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research

The Virginia Oyster Shell Recycling Program, which operates through Virginia Commonwealth University’s Rice Rivers Center, has expanded its operations to include the Northern Neck in Kilmarnock. The VOSRP is partnering with the town of Kilmarnock, Lancaster County and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to establish a site to collect discarded shells from private citizens, local restaurants and events.

Construction of the bin began on June 19. The bin will be available for disposal of discarded shells at the Lancaster County Recycling Facility in Kilmarnock from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day.

The shells that would otherwise be sent to a landfill will now return to the Virginia portion of the Chesapeake Bay to create a natural habitat for new oysters. The VOSRP is also partnering with local businesses, including Byrd’s Seafood, Windmill Point Oyster Company, Lamberth Lumber, the Dog and Oyster Vineyard, and the Hope and Glory Inn.

“Once prevalent and seen in huge piles, oyster shells have become quite scarce in the Chesapeake Bay,” said VOSRP director Todd Janeski. “The VOSRP ensures the shells are returned to the Virginia portion of the Chesapeake Bay as part of our comprehensive restoration activities.”

Oysters provide critical environmental services such as filtering up to 50 gallons of water a day by consuming sediments and pollution. The filtration process plays a significant role in the clarity of the water column, allowing for aquatic grasses to grow and providing a critical habitat for young fish and crabs. The oyster reefs provide a valuable hard-bottom habitat for larger fish and offer shoreline protection from wave and storm impact. Additionally, the decomposing shells help to maintain steady pH levels in the bay.

 "I hate the idea of throwing away such a valuable commodity.” - Bryan Byrd, Byrd's Seafood

Oyster shell recycling provides local residents and businesses with the opportunity to promote the protection and remediation of the Chesapeake Bay by becoming involved in the restoration of wild, native oysters. "I hate the idea of throwing away such a valuable commodity,” said Byrd’s Seafood owner Bryan Byrd. The program is supported through direct donations, small grants and volunteer support from Virginia Master Naturalists, Virginia Green Travel Alliance, VA Coastal Zone Management Program, VA Sea Grant and Keep Virginia Beautiful.

 

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