11th Hour Racing Renews Critical Support for Billion Oyster Project

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As the United Nations Decade For Ocean Sciences kicks off this year, Billion Oyster Project is thrilled to be one of 12 new 11th Hour Racing grantees to address plastics pollution, coastal restoration, food waste, and water quality.

Over the next year, 11th Hour will support our ambitious oyster hatchery operations, in which we aim to produce nearly 38 million juvenile oysters and introduce them to NY Harbor. Among other ecosystem benefits, adult oysters are capable of improving water quality by filtering more than a gallon of water every hour. In addition to the production and installation of oysters, 11th Hour Racing’s support will:

  • Contribute to the restoration of 8 acres of oyster reefs across six restoration sites in New York City.

  • Support shell collection in NYC, recycling around 10,000 lbs of shells per week as soon as we’re able to return at full capacity with 75 restaurants.

  • Advance experiential education in classrooms, via Zoom field visits, and at BOP field stations. STEM learning focuses on oyster monitoring, seining and water quality testing, and harbor ecology exploration for 150-200 students.

“It’s a pleasure to partner with an organization that shares our passion for thriving waterways,” says Rebecca Resner, Hatchery Manager at Billion Oyster Project. “Science and education can help move the needle, so we are excited to team up with 11th Hour Racing again this year!”

11th Hour Racing is an international organization that harnesses the power of sport to inspire solutions for ocean health. Founded in 2010, the organization establishes strategic partnerships within the sailing and maritime communities to promote collaborative, systemic change benefitting the health of our ocean. If you missed 11th Hour Racing’s Michelle Carnevale on Around the Buoy, listen to episode 52 here.