It a simple enough program to handle too; just gather oyster shells after the tasty oysters have been eaten, let them cure a while to remove any possible contamination and then put them back in the coastal waters.  It's easy enough even the kids can do it and many of them are becoming involved.

The Oyster Shell Recycling Program is a winner for oyster consumers also.  Besides creating new and better places for oysters and fish to grow, it actually turns trash, and what is typically considered problem trash at that, into treasure. 

In addition to the established refuge areas, there are also cultch areas to grow oysters for harvesting.  The proposed cultch sites are reviewed at public hearings in their area of the coast before being approved and initiated.  Cultch projects are set in waters that will be open to public harvest.  The cultch sites are oyster shells several feet thick on bottom prepared so they won't sink or wash away in the currents and are constructed to best aid in oyster growth and harvest.

Not only do they provide suitable bottom for growing healthy and tasty oysters, both the cultch sites and refuge sites provide excellent habitat for a wide variety of finfish. 

North Carolina General Statute 130A-309.10(f) states that no person shall knowingly dispose of oyster shells in solid waste landfills.  Knowing this, what is a person or group who hosts an oyster roast to do with the shells?  Simply take them to one of the many recycling bin locations across the state and you are properly disposing of your trash while helping to create cleaner water and fisheries habitat. 

Is it really that simple?  Absolutely!  An added bonus is a tax credit of $1 per bushel for oyster shells taken to the collection centers.  An even bigger bonus is the increased habitat and production of oysters and fish.

The Oyster Shell Recycling program is a simple and inexpensive program that should yield big results.  The first of those would be to help the N.C. oyster fishery.  North Carolina's oyster population has been declining over the years.  DMF biologists said the decline could be as much as 90 per cent from the early 1900's.  They cite habitat loss, pollution, diseases and harvest pressures as the reasons for the decline.

For more information on the DMF Oyster Shell Recycling Program check out the full-length article in the December North Carolina Sportsman Magazine or visit the DMF web site at www.ncdmf.net.