Two TNC scientists dive on the restored shellfish reef off Dromana in 2021. Photo: The Nature Conservancy and Streamline Media/TNC.
Simon Branigan, TNC’s marine restoration manager, at the curing site for the shells. Photo: The Nature Conservancy
A welcome eco-friendly revival is under way for Port Phillip. The Nature Conservancy Australia is partnering with B-Alternative to resurrect the beloved Shuck Don’t Chuck shell recycling program.
Simon Branigan, TNC’s marine restoration lead, said that after a pause during COVID, the initiative was back to help support shellfish reef restoration across the bay. “We are really excited that as part of the new partnership, we now use a hybrid recycling truck to collect shells from partner venues, making the project even more sustainable,” Mr Branigan said.
The Shuck Don’t Chuck program collects oyster, mussel and scallop shells from restaurants, venues and seafood wholesalers. These discarded shells, which would typically end up in landfill, are given a new purpose in building and restoring shellfish reefs.
B-Alternative impact manager Tim Landells said the program’s potential was multifaceted. “Beyond supporting reef restoration and diverting waste from landfill, Shuck Don’t Chuck aims to challenge the perception that environmentally friendly practices are inevitably more expensive,” Mr Landells said. “With increasing landfill levies, diverting waste is not only environmentally responsible but often financially attractive as well.”
Once collected, the shells undergo a curing process where they are exposed to the elements for at least six months to eliminate potential disease pathogens. When they are ready to go, the shells become part of the shellfish reef restoration process, serving as a new reef base or as a surface for juvenile oysters to grow on in hatchery tanks.
The ‘seeding’ process involves placing shells seeded with juvenile oysters on constructed reef bases, initiating the formation of a new shellfish reef habitat. This technique has been successfully employed by TNC globally for more than 25 years, contributing to the restoration of oyster reefs and revitalising marine ecosystems around the world.
Shuck Don’t Chuck means you can now enjoy your favourite shellfish sustainably and even help to regenerate our oceans while you do. For those interested in supporting or learning more about the program, visit www.natureaustralia.org.au
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