7 million unsold oysters bought for 35 reef sites, helping protect 1,000 jobs

The COVID-19 pandemic forced restaurant closures, leaving oyster farms with a surplus of products. In response, the Supporting Oyster Aquaculture and Restoration program was launched to convert these excess oysters into valuable resources for habitat restoration. Over 7 million oysters have been sourced from more than 150 farm partners, promoting ecological benefits while supporting local fisheries.