Billion Oyster Project

Billion Oyster Project’s (BOP) mission is to restore oyster reefs to NY Harbor through public education initiatives.

Oysters were the keystone species and original ecosystem engineers of New York Harbor. Today, oysters are functionally extinct in the Harbor as a result of over­harvesting, dredging and pollution. Restoring oysters and reefs will restore the local marine ecosystem’s natural mechanisms for maintaining itself, resulting in cleaner water and greater biodiversity.

BOP engages the community directly in the work of restoring one billion oysters through its education program which has built restoration-based STEM education for middle and high-schoolers, its shell collection program which works with NYC restaurants to collect oyster shells for reef substrate, and through its volunteer program which welcomes the community at large to get involved in hands-on restoration work.

Billion Oyster Project was born out of the New York Harbor School (NYHS), a public high school which provides a college preparatory education built upon New York City’s marine & maritime industry. NYHS remains Billion Oyster Project’s flagship education partner. The education instills in students the ethics of environmental stewardship and gives them the skills needed for careers on the water.

New York Harbor Foundation d/b/a Billion Oyster Project is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.