Since 2010, War Shore has been committed to supporting the Oyster Recovery Partnership (ORP). The Oyster Recovery Partnership is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that designs, promotes and implements consensus-based and scientifically-sustainable shellfish ecological restoration, aquaculture and commercial fishery activities to improve the environment and expand economic opportunities in the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays and beyond.

War Shore provides focused support to ORP’s Shell Recycling Alliance (SRA). Oyster shell is the best material on which to raise new oysters and restore oyster reefs. Scientists know that now, but for generations used oyster shells were used to build roads, driveways and housing construction. Some ended up in landfills. ORP developed the SRA to save this extremely limited natural resource. Every half shell collected by the SRA creates a new home for approximately 10 baby oysters.

Photo from: The Oyster Recovery Partnership

When the program launched in 2010, 22 restaurants signed on as members. The SRA is now over 300 members strong, and the largest shell recycling network in the country. In addition to restaurants and businesses, the SRA collects used shell from public drop sites in 11 counties.

In 2016, over 30,000 bushels of oyster shell was collected from establishments in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania. The shells will enable ORP to plant over 150 million filter-feeding oysters into the Chesapeake Bay. Since its launch, the SRA has recycled over 100,000 bushels of shell.

As an official partner, War Shore continues its support by:

• Advertising and introducing all new and existing customers to the SRA program and encouraging them to participate
• Providing joint training to restaurant staff throughout the DMV about the benefits of the program
• Providing shucking staff and product to support annual fundraisers
• Collaborating with Port City Brewing Company to develop “Revival” Oyster Stout where 5% of profits are given to ORP.

We are committed to help drive all ORP programs in support of its vision to have a self-sustaining oyster population for ecological and economic purposes that is characterized by a well-managed and growing commercial fishery and aquaculture industry in the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays and beyond.

Photo from: The Oyster Recovery Partnership