A new tax credit for the restaurants will lead to more oyster shells for restoration projects.
Louisiana’s insatiable appetite for oysters produces a lot of shells. But rather than go back to the coast, most of the shells from local restaurants go straight to the dump. A new tax credit aims to reverse this trend. Signed into law by Gov. John Bel Edwards last week, the measure will give restaurants a $1 credit for every 50 pounds of shell donated to an oyster shell recycling program. “We’re trashing an extremely large amount of oyster shells that can serve a secondary purpose,” said state Rep. Mandie Landry, D-New Orleans, who sponsored the measure under House Bill 255. Recycled shells are used to build bulwarks against waves, storms and rising seas — factors that contribute to the state’s rapid loss of land. The reefs also foster the growth of new oysters and provide habitat and food for fish, crabs and other marine animals.
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CRCL has the only state wide program for using the shells.
The state’s only large-scale shell recycling program has returned 13 million pounds of shells to the water since 2014. Run by the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, the program could get a substantial boost from the measure. “This bill should make it possible for more restaurants to do the right thing without jeopardizing their bottom line,” said Tyler Bosworth, CRCL’s advocacy director. The measure garnered unanimous support from the Senate and House of Representatives. It was also backed by several environmental groups, the Louisiana Restaurant Association and the Louisiana Hotel and Lodging Association. The CRCL recycling program has 29 participating restaurants in New Orleans and Metairie. Most are large restaurants that can afford the monthly $55 per-bin pickup fee. The tax credit will help smaller restaurants take part, said Darrah Bach, the recycling program’s coordinator. “We’re really hoping this credit inspires others to participate, especially family-run businesses,” she said. The fees CRCL charges cover shell pickups several times a week and transport to a site in St. Bernard Parish where the shells are allowed to cure in the sun for a year. Volunteers then pack the shells in biodegradable mesh bags for us on reef projects.
CRCL has “grown” a lot of reefs.
CRCL has used shells to build about 8,000 feet of oyster reef in five parishes. The group plans to build its sixth reef this fall. The group has focused much of their recent efforts on protecting Native American mounds and cemeteries. A reef protecting a mound south of Montegut has weathered several storms. “When (Hurricane) Ida hit, we came back and the oyster shells were still there,” said Christine Verdin, a member of the Pointe-au-Chien Indian Tribe.
I have helped CRCL and while it was work the boat ride was a good final task.
