What comes from the sea, goes back to the sea
Join us to make new reefs out of old shells in the North Sea
What comes from the sea, goes back to the sea
Join us to make new reefs out of old shells in the North Sea
How does it work?
Oysters are grown in coastal areas, specifically meant for consumption.
Visitors enjoy the oysters in restaurants.
Restaurants collect empty shells. We pick them up with the next fresh oyster delivery.
We clean and reuse the empty shells to grow new oysters.
We bring the shells with young oysters back to the sea. There they can form new reefs. How do we make this happen? Read more here.
Where new reefs grow, North Sea nature flourishes.
How does it work?
Oysters are grown in coastal areas, specifically meant for consumption.
1
Visitors enjoy the oysters in restaurants.
2
Restaurants collect empty shells. We pick them up with the next fresh oyster delivery.
3
We clean and reuse the empty shells to grow new oysters.
4
We bring the shells with young oysters back to the sea. There they can form new reefs. Know how we do that?
Read more here.
Where new reefs grow, North Sea nature flourishes.
15 000 shells have been returned to the sea
1 restaurant
is helping
15 000 shells have been returned to the sea
1 restaurant
is helping
For a long time oyster reefs were abundant in the Dutch North Sea. Now only one vast reef remains.
Why are shells and oysters important?
Shells help oysters
Young oysters grow on top of shells. The larvae swim through the water in search of a promising place to attach to for the rest of their lives. If they don’t find it, they cannot live on. Empty shells gradually release calcium carbonate: a mineral that young oysters use to develop their own shells.
Oysters form reefs
Oysters build reefs out of shells. They grow on top of each other and form large 3D-structures under water. A foundation filled with nooks and crannies, that is perfect for all sorts of animals and plants. Furthermore, the oysters filter the water in search of their own food and release nutrients. Creating a buffet for others.
Reefs boost life
A hundred years ago there were countless oyster reefs, but now most of them are gone – even though reefs support up to 60% more biodiversity than sandy seabeds. Together all these sea creatures form a strong ecosystem that is able to survive disturbances. In reefs, animals and plants find a place to live, feed, take refuge and reproduce. New reefs create an explosion of life!
Why are shells and oysters important?
Shells help oysters
Young oysters grow on top of shells. The larvae swim through the water in search of a promising place to attach to for the rest of their lives. If they don’t find it, they cannot live on. Empty shells gradually release calcium carbonate: a mineral that young oysters use to develop their own shells.
Oysters form reefs
Oysters build reefs out of shells. They grow on top of each other and form large 3D-structures under water. A foundation filled with nooks and crannies, that is perfect for all sorts of animals and plants. Furthermore, the oysters filter the water in search of their own food and release nutrients. Creating a buffet for others.
Reefs boost life
A hundred years ago there were countless oyster reefs, but now most of them are gone – even though reefs support up to 60% more biodiversity than sandy seabeds. Together all these sea creatures form a strong ecosystem that is able to survive disturbances. In reefs, animals and plants find a place to live, feed, take refuge and reproduce. New reefs create an explosion of life!
How you can help
At this moment only restaurants that get their oysters from de Oesterij can join. Individuals can contribute by choosing a partnering restaurant, whenever they want to eat oysters. We are working on more ways for individuals to help out.
How you can help
At this moment only restaurants that get their oysters from de Oesterij can join. Individuals can contribute by choosing a partnering restaurant, whenever they want to eat oysters. We are working on more ways for individuals to help out.
Who is helping?
Want to eat oysters? Choose one of our partnering restaurants. By doing so, you are sending their empty shells back to sea!
Restaurants
Yerseke
Sponsor
