The Alabama Oyster Shell Recycling Program hit another milestone. The program has collected enough shells to have over 25 acres of oyster reef habitat for new oysters to grow.

The Alabama Coastal Foundation took a phased approach to implement the state's first Oyster Shell Recycling Program. Phase 1 began in the fall of 2016 on the Causeway Route. Phase 2 launched in spring 2017 on the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach Route, and in the spring of 2018, the program was opened to all restaurants in coastal Alabama.

Shells are collected from participating restaurants by Republic Services and delivered to a large property where they stay outside for six months to cure. The program has an Advisory Committee that decides when and where to place the shells. An oyster shell is the preferred habitat of oyster larvae to settle on as juveniles to form new reefs.

In addition to food value, oysters provide many other important ecosystem services, including:

•Improving water quality: An adult oyster can filter 15 gallons of water per day.

•Providing habitat: Oyster reefs provide habitat for fish, shrimp, crabs, birds and other animals.

•Limiting erosion: Oyster reefs are natural breakwaters that protect shorelines.

Restaurants participating in the program within the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area are:

Cobalt, The Restaurant

Flora-Bama Lounge

Flora-Bama Ole River Bar

Flora-Bama Yacht Club

Original Oyster House, Gulf Shores

Sea-N-Suds Restaurant

Tacky Jacks, Gulf Shores

Tacky Jacks, Orange Beach

If you would like more information about The Alabama Oyster Recycling program or The Alabama Coastal Foundation visit www.joinacf.org.