Photo: Courtesy of Flickr.com
The Billion Oyster Project aims to resurrect the New York Harbor’s marine ecosystem by restoring one billion live oysters. Over the years, the expansion of the area has lead to overharvesting of the oysters, which filter the water and serve as a habitat for copious amounts of marine life. The absence of the oysters has left the shore vulnerable to erosion and storm damage. In addition to the their restoration efforts, the Billion Oyster Project also educates students through their various programming, including the New York Harbor School as well as seasonal events.
On Thursday May 19th, they will be hosting their annual Billion Oyster Party at Pioneer Works in Red Hook, Brooklyn. The third annual affair will bring 40 oyster farmers and some of the city’s top chefs together to celebrate the oyster and highlight the project’s efforts. Other sponsors will include Building Conservation Trust, NY Waterway, New York Water Taxi, K & B Seafood, R. Murphy Knives, Earth Matter, Brooklyn Brewery Beer, Plymouth Gin, Proud Pour Wines, Spindrift Sodas and more. The party’s collective efforts will ideally bring more funding and awareness to the project’s noble and recuperative goals.
For more information on the party, including ticketing, check out the Billion Oyster Party’s website.
-by Johanna Silver
