It took less than 100 years for New Yorkers to destroy 220,000 acres of native oyster reefs in New York Harbor and with it, an entire marine ecosystem. Now, the Billion Oyster Project is rebuilding these reefs to restore wildlife to our waterways and reconnect our city to its vibrant waterfront.
why oysters?
Filtering Water
The average adult oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water a day.
Providing Habitat
Like coral, oyster reefs are home to marine life and increase biodiversity.
Protecting shores
Rocky oyster reefs break strong waves and minimize erosion.
OUR MISSION
Billion Oyster Project is a nonprofit organization on a mission to restore one billion oysters to New York Harbor by 2035 through public education initiatives. Founded on the belief that restoration without education is temporary, Billion Oyster Project collaborates with NYC public schools - designing STEM curriculum through a lens of oyster restoration and working with Urban Assembly New York Harbor School students in large-scale restoration projects. The project has planted over 75 million oysters across 16 acres and 18 restoration sites, with the help of more than 8,000 students and 11,000 volunteers.
One Billion oysters
restored to our estuary could filter the standing volume of New York Harbor every three days.
GET INVOLVED
Love eating oysters?
You can help! The oyster, clam, and scallop shells you eat from 60+ NYC restaurants become the foundation for new oyster beds across the Harbor. Becoming a Billion Oyster Project Member gives you access to free oysters at our partner restaurants and more additional perks!
One-time or recurring donations
Thank you for your help! A contribution of $50 puts 100 new oysters in the Harbor. Larger donations can expand any part of our work - from the amount of shell we’re able to collect to the educational programming we can conduct at our Field Stations.
Keep in touch with us
We’re based on Governors Island, but our field work takes place across the boroughs. Sign-up for our quarterly newsletter and stay up to date with our numbers, events, and upcoming visit opportunities.
Learn more about the full scope of our work and other ways to get involved here.