The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has announced a major new collaboration with Sysco Corporation that will substantially expand the state’s well-established program that repurposes seafood shells from restaurants to create oyster reefs. These reefs help strengthen coastal ecosystems, reduce landfill waste, support climate resilience, and deliver benefits for local dining establishments.
Under the partnership, Sysco—the world’s largest food distributor—will gather used oyster and clam shells from the restaurants it supplies throughout the region. The shells will then be delivered to NJDEP Fish & Wildlife’s Shell Recycling Program, enabling the creation and enhancement of oyster reefs at existing and potentially new sites along New Jersey’s shoreline.
“We are thrilled to work with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to grow an effort we have long wanted to support,” said John Yates, president of Buckhead Meat & Seafood’s Mid-Atlantic Region. “Restoring oyster reefs is vital not only for shellfish populations but also for the broader marine ecosystem and the communities that depend on it.”
Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette praised Sysco’s involvement, noting that the partnership reinforces efforts to build a more sustainable and resilient coast. “This collaboration strengthens local oyster reefs and encourages the public to appreciate and safeguard coastal environments. Oysters naturally filter water, improve water quality, and store carbon in their shells, offering an effective nature-based solution to both climate adaptation and environmental improvement.”
Sysco’s participation significantly increases the reach of the Shell Recycling Program by making it easier for restaurants and businesses across the state—many of which were previously outside the program’s scope—to contribute.
The influx of recycled shells will lead directly to more reef installations, creating additional habitat for oyster larvae to settle and thrive. This will support stronger oyster populations, broader ecosystem recovery, and more opportunities to expand reef enhancement projects throughout New Jersey’s coastal waters, ultimately contributing to a connected network of reef habitats.
Laying the Foundation for Collaboration
“Oysters play a keystone role in our estuaries and are central to our mission to sustain thriving marine ecosystems,” said NJDEP Fish & Wildlife Assistant Commissioner Dave Golden. “Oyster reefs provide essential habitat for many species valued by both commercial and recreational fishers. By recycling shells, we cut down on waste while supporting the restoration of ecosystems that benefit coastal communities and marine life alike.”
Because shell material is limited, securing enough resources to support reef-building has long been a challenge. To help address this, NJDEP Fish & Wildlife launched a shell recycling initiative in 2019 based in Atlantic City. The earliest version of the program started with one restaurant and focused on collecting discarded oyster and clam shells for use in nearby reef restoration.
The program quickly expanded, eventually involving nearly every major casino and seafood restaurant in Atlantic City. Today, it includes 32 participating restaurants throughout Atlantic, Cape May, and Ocean counties, dramatically increasing shell recovery. Since 2021, more than 45,000 bushels—over 1,100 tons—of recycled and locally processed shells have been added to reef systems.
Growing Recognition and Future Expansion
The program’s rapid success has attracted interest both within and outside New Jersey. Sysco learned about the initiative and approached NJDEP about partnering, recognizing how well it aligns with the company’s sustainability commitments.
The Shell Recycling Program has earned multiple awards for its innovative work. In fall 2024, the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) awarded the program an Honorable Mention in the Land, Air & Cross-Media category for a video highlighting the recycling process. Earlier in 2025, program staff were recognized at the State Employee Recognition Day ceremony during Public Service Recognition Week.
The program has also secured several competitive grants. In 2024, funding from NOAA’s Coastal Zone Management Program supported the expansion of shell recycling beyond Atlantic City and helped launch Project S.H.E.L.L. (Strengthening Habitats through Environmental Learning and Leadership)—a hands-on marine science education initiative for students in Atlantic City and nearby communities.
Under the partnership, Sysco—the world’s largest food distributor—will gather used oyster and clam shells from the restaurants it supplies throughout the region. The shells will then be delivered to NJDEP Fish & Wildlife’s Shell Recycling Program, enabling the creation and enhancement of oyster reefs at existing and potentially new sites along New Jersey’s shoreline.
“We are thrilled to work with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to grow an effort we have long wanted to support,” said John Yates, president of Buckhead Meat & Seafood’s Mid-Atlantic Region. “Restoring oyster reefs is vital not only for shellfish populations but also for the broader marine ecosystem and the communities that depend on it.”
Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette praised Sysco’s involvement, noting that the partnership reinforces efforts to build a more sustainable and resilient coast. “This collaboration strengthens local oyster reefs and encourages the public to appreciate and safeguard coastal environments. Oysters naturally filter water, improve water quality, and store carbon in their shells, offering an effective nature-based solution to both climate adaptation and environmental improvement.”
Sysco’s participation significantly increases the reach of the Shell Recycling Program by making it easier for restaurants and businesses across the state—many of which were previously outside the program’s scope—to contribute.
The influx of recycled shells will lead directly to more reef installations, creating additional habitat for oyster larvae to settle and thrive. This will support stronger oyster populations, broader ecosystem recovery, and more opportunities to expand reef enhancement projects throughout New Jersey’s coastal waters, ultimately contributing to a connected network of reef habitats.
Laying the Foundation for Collaboration
“Oysters play a keystone role in our estuaries and are central to our mission to sustain thriving marine ecosystems,” said NJDEP Fish & Wildlife Assistant Commissioner Dave Golden. “Oyster reefs provide essential habitat for many species valued by both commercial and recreational fishers. By recycling shells, we cut down on waste while supporting the restoration of ecosystems that benefit coastal communities and marine life alike.”
Because shell material is limited, securing enough resources to support reef-building has long been a challenge. To help address this, NJDEP Fish & Wildlife launched a shell recycling initiative in 2019 based in Atlantic City. The earliest version of the program started with one restaurant and focused on collecting discarded oyster and clam shells for use in nearby reef restoration.
The program quickly expanded, eventually involving nearly every major casino and seafood restaurant in Atlantic City. Today, it includes 32 participating restaurants throughout Atlantic, Cape May, and Ocean counties, dramatically increasing shell recovery. Since 2021, more than 45,000 bushels—over 1,100 tons—of recycled and locally processed shells have been added to reef systems.
Growing Recognition and Future Expansion
The program’s rapid success has attracted interest both within and outside New Jersey. Sysco learned about the initiative and approached NJDEP about partnering, recognizing how well it aligns with the company’s sustainability commitments.
The Shell Recycling Program has earned multiple awards for its innovative work. In fall 2024, the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) awarded the program an Honorable Mention in the Land, Air & Cross-Media category for a video highlighting the recycling process. Earlier in 2025, program staff were recognized at the State Employee Recognition Day ceremony during Public Service Recognition Week.
The program has also secured several competitive grants. In 2024, funding from NOAA’s Coastal Zone Management Program supported the expansion of shell recycling beyond Atlantic City and helped launch Project S.H.E.L.L. (Strengthening Habitats through Environmental Learning and Leadership)—a hands-on marine science education initiative for students in Atlantic City and nearby communities.