By 2014, South Carolina volunteers had reused 1,100 tons of discarded oyster shells to build 225 living reefs across 69 sites along the state’s coast

In South Carolina, volunteers are collecting discarded oyster shells and returning them to coastal waters for habitat restoration. The SCORE program has seen significant community involvement, with over 25,000 volunteers participating in oyster reef projects. Recycled shells create environments where marine life can thrive and support local ecosystems. The restoration began to reveal positive changes just a few years after implementation.