Shell Recycling Program 
Over 85% of global oyster reefs, including those in North America, are deemed “functionally extinct,” According to the American Institute of Biological Sciences. With native oyster populations in Barnegat Bay decreasing to less than 1% of their historical abundance over the past century.
Restoring Barnegat Bay
Five generations of local knowledge dedicated to the conservation, restoration, and management of Little Egg Harbor Bay and oyster reefs.
Oyster Reefs in Decline
Oyster Reef Recovery:
Barnegat Bay has been the lifeblood for Jersey Shore baymen, and for Parsons Seafood for more than 100 years. We are committed not only to maintaining strictly sustainable farming practices, but also actively working to restore full health to the bay.
More Than 16 Million Disease-Resistant Oysters Planted
Our restoration work stands alone in making a dramatic and measurable difference to the health and vitality of the bay. We have cultivated and planted more than 16 million disease-resistant oysters, creating oyster reefs from about 8000 bushels of recycled shells. This unique restoration work is vital to restoring the depleted habitat that has been exploited for centuries.
The Barnegat Bay Partnership Shellfish Working Group.
Since 2015, we at Parsons Seafood have been part of a volunteer group, The Barnegat Bay Partnership Shellfish Working Group.
How Does the Oyster Recycling Program work?
Barnegat Bay Restoration Project
We submitted a competitive grant proposal, and Parsons was awarded the necessary funds to build the first ever disease-resistant oyster reefs in southern Barnegat Bay.
Collaborative Efforts Among Universities and NGO Groups
The restoration project incorporated collaborative efforts among universities and NGO groups deeply concerned about the future of Barnegat Bay. Parsons Seafood sources and prepares recycled shells for our large “setting tanks”. Disease-resistant oyster larvae attach to and grow on the recycled shell.
Proven by Research
This unique project was led by the combined efforts of Stockton University and Parsons Mariculture. While funded by the Barnegat Bay Partnership, Parsons Mariculture and Stockton University designed a pilot scale research project to answer a much larger question:
How do we restore oyster reefs to Barnegat Bay, efficiently and effectively?
Reef Resurgence
The first ever man-made reef restoration site was created in 2016. The first on-the-bottom restoration site is located in the southern part of the Barnegat Bay watershed near the small town of Tuckerton, New Jersey, appropriately named “The Tuckerton Reef.”
Currently, data is consistently gathered and monitored by Stockton University marine biology students. This data helps to guide the efforts to restore overall health to Barnegat Bay.
1st Living Oyster Reef Restored In Barnegat Bay
Once the spat-on-shell develop to a mature size, our team transport thousands of bushels out to the designated restoration sites. These restoration sites are designated non-commercial, never to be harvested, and providing permanently restored habitat.
Reviving Clam Populations
Clams are another species targeted in Parsons’ restoration efforts. Similar to oysters, the wild clam population has greatly declined since the 1800’s. Many of the techniques that benefit oyster restoration also benefit clams. For example, the establishment and proliferation of oyster reefs will help to protect the juvenile clam population.
How You Can Help
Parsons Oyster Reef Recovery is a non-profit run by passionate volunteers. You can help ensure that oyster reef restoration is sustained in the Barnegat and Great Bay ecosystems.
Volunteer: Reach out to us and ask about volunteer opportunities.
Donate*: Help to stop the extinction of oyster reefs! You can build and sustain oyster reefs by donating to Parsons Oyster Reef Recovery. The money goes directly to the organization and is crucial for us to be able to:
Fuel our boats and trucks, obtain the machinery that allows us to move thousands of pounds of shell, and obtain more leases in the bay to expand oyster reef restoration.
