Whether fried up in a po'boy, chargrilled and topped with parmesan cheese, or served simply raw, the oyster is the highlight of menus across Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. But their tasty nature isn't the only draw. Thanks to the folks at The Alabama Coastal Foundation, the humble oyster shell is helping to improve our local ecosystem, too!
Alabama Oyster Shell Recycling Program
What is the Oyster Shell Recycling Program?
In an effort coordinated by the Alabama Coastal Foundation, the Alabama Oyster Shell Recycling Program collects oyster shells from restaurants and places them back into Alabama waters. The shells – which would have otherwise been taken to a landfill – will help new oysters grow.
So is the bottom line that the more you eat the more you create for the future? Although that’s true – and a good reason to order an extra dozen for the table if you ask us – that’s not the only value oysters provide.
Oysters also…
- Improve the water quality by filtering up to 15 gallons of water daily
- Provide a habitat for fish, shrimp, crabs, birds, and other animals
- Limit erosion by acting as natural breakwaters that protect shorelines
What Can You Do?
You already know we love talking about the best places to find oysters in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, so we can’t miss an opportunity to discuss where you can dine to play your part in the Alabama Oyster Shell Recycling Program (eating oysters, that is)!
Here’s a list of restaurants currently participating in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach:
Doc's Seafood Shack & Oyster Bar
Fisher's at Orange Beach Marina
Original Oyster House, Gulf Shores
Wolf Bay Lodge in Orange Beach
Get a list of restaurants participating in Mobile, Alabama and on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay, plus find even more information about this great cause from the official page about the Alabama Oyster Shell Recycling Program on the Alabama Coastal Foundation’s website