Aimed at reducing waste and restoring marine habitats, Shuck Don’t Chuck will now operate along our stunning coastline.
The initiative, a joint effort between B-Alternative and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) invites local restaurants and seafood venues to recycle used oyster, mussel, and scallop shells. These shells will be collected and repurposed for TNC’s vital shellfish reef restoration projects in Port Phillip Bay, contributing to the health of marine ecosystems while decreasing landfill waste – how good!
Launched in 2015, Shuck Don’t Chuck has seen tremendous success, with over 50 participating venues contributing to the collection of thousands of kilograms of shells.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
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This initiative has not only fostered a community of environmentally conscious businesses but has also supported the restoration of significant marine habitats, enhancing biodiversity in the region.
To date, the partnership has contributed to the restoration of nearly 12 hectares of shellfish reefs across 4 locations, using over 825 tonnes of recycled shells.
Isabelle Pearl Love-Dack from Finns Oyster Bar, and Shuck Don’t Chuck Program Coordinator, ewas stoked with the news.
“We are so excited to be launching in the region. Every single shell from Finns Oyster Bar events has been saved – now we have a local use for them in reef restoration. Using shell waste to regenerate our lost reefs not only supports the environment we rely on, but also promotes sustainability within our community.”
Graeme Jefferies from Samesyn in Torquay echoed these sentiments. “Shuck Don’t Chuck is a fantastic initiative that allows us to give back to the environment. It’s a win-win for businesses and marine biodiversity alike. We can’t wait to see the positive impact it will have on our waters.”
Collection services will be available to participating venues every Wednesday around Torquay, Geelong and the Bellarine.
The program supports TNC’s ambition to restore 60 shellfish reefs by 2030, which will equate to 30% of this ecosystem. Shellfish reefs are one of the world’s most degraded ecosystems.
