Shellfish aficionados and eco-conscious diners, your time has come. Oyster Recovery Partnership (ORP) and the Maryland Department of Agriculture's Maryland’s Best program have teamed up to declare August 5-11 as National Oyster Week. According to a statement obtained by Maryland's press release, the week-long event isn't just about indulging in the briny delights of the sea, but also about supporting sustainable practices that can help restore the delicate ecosystem of the Chesapeake Bay.
“While it may be a delicious week, it’s also a vital week to show support for farmed oysters and the restaurant industry, and to ensure there are enough shells to replant back into the Bay,” said Kevin Atticks, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Agriculture, as detailed in the press release. Oysters and their shells are crucial for the Bay's health, providing both a habitat for a variety of marine life and a natural filtration system for the water. Through the ORP’s Shell Recycling Alliance, more than 30,000 bushels of oyster shells are collected annually from over 200 restaurants and 70 public drop sites, helping to foster new oyster reefs.
This year, over 50 establishments across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. are getting involved. Patrons are encouraged to partake in the celebrations by dining at participating restaurants, which are all contributing to the shell recycling effort. Events including “Shuck Like a Pro” have also been planned for a nearly weeklong tribute to oysters. Paul Schurick, Director of ORP Partnerships, expressed the sentiment behind the event, saying, “By dining in one of the restaurants, attending an event or preparing your own oysters at home, you are supporting the Shell Recycling Alliance and you’re helping to restore the Chesapeake Bay, one shuck at a time”, as cited by Maryland's press release.
For those interested in taking part in National Oyster Week events or finding out which restaurants to hit for sustainable shellfish, a visit to the National Oyster Week webpage is for all the details and promotions on offer.
