Tingyu Liu

Oysters are recognised as ecosystem engineers. The prosperity of oysters not only benefits the environment, but also builds livelihoods. However, while some species are declining in British waters, oyster shells – the crucial substrate for baby oysters to grow on to – mostly end up in landfills rather than relocated back to the sea. This has become a major obstacle for British restoration projects to repopulate the oyster numbers. The project is proposing an oyster shell recycling system tailored to the UK consuming behaviour in favour of the restoration of native oysters.

Shell to Shore is an oyster shell collection service funded by a restoration project. While the van drives through the city collecting served shells from seafood restaurants, it pops up at different location selling fresh oysters and promotes the importance of shell recycling. Through this approach, the project proposes an efficient model for restoration projects and creates a pathway for people to directly engage with relevant marine conservation issues which are usually intangible to the general public.