Restoring New York Harbor one oyster at a time

Four hundred years ago, oyster reefs in New York Harbor formed the living bedrock of one of the planet’s most dynamic and productive ecosystems. With a single adult oyster able to filter up to 50 gallons (189 litres) of water per day, the reefs not only kept the water clean but provided a habitat for a myriad of plants, aquatic animals and birds.

By the early 1900s, pollution, dredging and worldwide demand for oysters – a culinary delicacy – had wiped out the reefs and with them nearly all life in the harbour. While environmental legislation and better wastewater treatment have improved water quality in recent years, naturally occurring oysters have not returned.

Inspired by work with students at a local marine and maritime-focused public high school, Billion Oyster Project is an ambitious effort to restore eastern oysters to New York Harbour through education and community mobilisation. “Rewilding” oyster reefs promises to reduce water pollution, attract other native species back to this once thriving estuary and, in the long run, help protect the city from storm damage and rising sea levels.

Oyster larvae need shells as a substrate to grow on. So, partnering with more than 75 restaurants in New York City, Billion Oyster Project collects thousands of pounds of discarded scallop, oyster and clam shells each week. It then relies on local students, residents and corporate volunteers to help clean the shells and deploy budding reefs in the harbour.

In 2022, employees in Swiss Re’s New York office chose Billion Oyster Project as their Charity of the Year. This afforded the initiative a three-year monetary grant from the Swiss Re Foundation as well as regular hands-on support from Swiss Re volunteers.