Billion Oyster Project
Billion Oyster Project is restoring New York Harbor’s oyster reefs and rebuilding the conditions for a more resilient city. We believe cities can rebuild their most vital ecosystems. But restoration only lasts when people are part of it. That’s why we pair large-scale oyster reef restoration with city-wide place-based education, putting knowledge and agency in the hands of the next generation. By restoring one billion oysters and engaging one million students, we are advancing a healthier harbor and a city equipped to live with the water that defines it. billionoysterproject.orgwww.billionoysterproject.org
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Search complete. 5 mentions across 5 episodes found for "Billion Oyster Project".
Sep 13, 2026
speaker_0HOST
Today's story begins with something left behind after a meal.
speaker_0HOST
On Governor's Island, Billion Oyster Project is helping turn New York restaurant oyster shells into habitat for new oyster reefs in the harbour.
speaker_0HOST
The shells are collected, cured, and used as a foundation where oysters can grow.
speaker_0HOST
What was once waste becomes structure.
Beowulf RocklinHOST
On Governor's Island in New York City, a nonprofit is turning wasted oyster shells into new oyster reefs that filter pollutants from the harbor, absorb wave energy, and supply the city's restaurant industry.
Beowulf RocklinHOST
Called the Billion Oyster Project, the objective is to restore some 100 acres of lost historic oyster reefs using the waste streams from dozens of partner restaurants.
Beowulf RocklinHOST
To date, the project has achieved 20% of the eponymous aim.
Beowulf RocklinHOST
The project has nevertheless seen incredible results.
Rachel BellGUEST
I'll give an example.
Rachel BellGUEST
I did a volunteer shift with the Billion Oyster Project, which is they're refilling the Hudson River with oysters because they're natural water filters.
Rachel BellGUEST
It was really amazing.
Rachel BellGUEST
I loved filming that episode.
Rachel BellGUEST
I'll give an example.
Rachel BellGUEST
I did a volunteer shift with the Billion Oyster Project, which is they're refilling the Hudson River with oysters because they're natural water filters.
Rachel BellGUEST
It was really amazing.
Rachel BellGUEST
I loved filming that episode.
Christina CatesHOST
But, yes, oysters are great filters.
Virginia SchaeferGUEST
Yeah, and that's probably referring to the Billion Oyster Project.
Virginia SchaeferGUEST
They are a huge project.
Virginia SchaeferGUEST
And those shells are so important for other new oysters that are spawning to land on.