San Antonio residents are turning their love of oysters into a practical environmental solution. The South Texas Coastal Initiative (STCI) has partnered with the Sink Your Shucks program, run by Texas A&M University and the Harte Research Institute, to recycle oyster shells and rebuild oyster reefs along the Texas Gulf Coast.

How the program works

After oysters are shucked at restaurants, events and the annual Fiesta Oyster Bake, the shells are collected by a contracted company that visits participating venues two to three times a week. The shells are then cleaned, prepared, and shipped to Corpus Christi, where they become the building blocks for new reef structures.

STCI estimates that San Antonio’s Fiesta Oyster Bake alone generates about 100,000 shells each weekend. Those shells, once returned to the water, help create habitats for fish, shrimp, crabs and countless other marine species. “One single oyster can filter 50 gallons of water, which is huge and very important for the ecosystem,” said Jorge Rodriguez, a supporter of the initiative and STCI member.

Environmental impact

Oyster reefs act like underwater forests. They clean the water, reduce pollution, and provide shelter for a wide range of marine life. “First and foremost, the goal is to clean the water, get rid of the pollution, because that helps all the other fish and animals and shrimp and crabs,” explained Ernest Brown of STCI. “They’re a real key species because of what they do to keep the environment clean. They’re like trees cleaning the air.”

Funding the effort

Recycling shells and restoring reefs costs roughly $150,000 each year. STCI raises the money through fundraisers, online donations, and corporate support. H‑E‑B contributed $50,000, with Lainey Riebesehl of H‑E‑B Environmental Affairs noting the company’s admiration for the program’s passion and its goal of restoring oyster populations in Texas bays.

Additional cities, including Schertz and New Braunfels, have expressed interest in launching similar shell‑recycling initiatives. The mayor of Selma also attended a recent fundraising event and voiced hope that the program will expand throughout South Texas.

Looking ahead

STCI aims to maintain its $150,000 annual budget and plans to collect shells for the 2027 Fiesta Oyster Bake. By turning a beloved local tradition into a conservation tool, San Antonio residents are helping protect the Gulf’s water quality and marine biodiversity for future generations.

Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.