Copyright Charleston Post and Courier
Oyster roast season is happening right now in the Lowcountry, and the awareness to recycle oyster shells to benefit the marine ecosystem has never been greater. A slew of hot steaming oysters will be available at fundraisers all across the area, and the shucking tables are where fellowship and doing the right thing intersect. Local lifestyle brand Toadfish sells oyster knives and other products all year round, and they donate proceeds to the South Carolina Oyster Recycling and Enhancement (SCORE) program. Casey Davidson founded Toadfish in 2016 and resides on James Island. “I am a product designer by trade, but I love oyster restoration and started our non-profit arm in 2019 to raise funds that can go to SCORE,” said Davidson. “Our fourth annual Shellabration oyster roast is coming up on Nov. 9 at Bowen’s Island. The owner at Bowen’s is on our board, and their restaurant partners with SCORE, so this is a great fit for all, and we’ll have so many specialty oyster offerings this is really more of a foodie celebration. “We invite oyster farmers to attend, and they will bring some of their oysters for guests to sample,” added Davidson. “Then we have also reached out to the raw bars in Charleston and will have a specialty oyster menu that is incredible, so if you love seafood, then this event is for you. The ability of oysters to filter and clean saltwater makes them the superpower providing high quality marine habitat. We partner with local conservation groups all year long to bag oyster shells and deploy them into the estuary, and these kinds of efforts drive community engagement.” Tom Mullikin is the Director of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and spoke at the SCORE 25th anniversary on Oct. 17. “The SCDNR SCORE program has become one of the top oyster restoration and recycling efforts in the county,” said Mullikin. “Every un-recycled oyster shell represents a missed opportunity for cleaner water, oyster harvest sustainability and landfill diversion.” Mullikin announced that 34 miles of living shoreline has been constructed with recycled oysters thus far and that an official State Oyster Shell Recycle Day is in the works to help recognize the partners and volunteers taking part in these efforts. “Together we’ve proven what’s possible when South Carolinians unite behind a shared mission,” said Mullikin. “Let’s continue that momentum — not just for cleaner water or more oysters but for the future of our coast and our communities.” So while it’s true that not everyone eats oysters, these events do offer alternate food choices and provide a great opportunity to get outdoors. Which means that everyone can get in on the feeling of contributing to the cause of oyster shell recycling while shucking some oysters, a local tradition which goes back in time to when Native Americans lived in harmony with nature. Oyster roast calendar Nov. 9: Edisto Land Trust at Sand Creek Farm Nov. 9: Toadfish Shellabration at Bowen’s Island Nov. 14: Citadel Chapter of Ducks Unlimited at Charleston Rifle Club Nov. 16: The Point Charity at Wadmalaw Island
