Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana Takes Annual Shell-A-Bration Fundraiser Virtual
Community event will feature delivery of farm-fresh oysters, shucking demonstration and more
NEW ORLEANS (Jan. 4, 2021) — The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL) is set to host the first virtual iteration of its annual fundraiser, Shell-A-Bration, on Friday, Feb. 5. Shell-A-Bration, which is now in its third year, is a community event dedicated to raising awareness and engagement for the organization’s Oyster Shell Recycling Program, which collects shells from New Orleans-area restaurants and uses them to create oyster reefs that help protect Louisiana’s eroding coastline.
Highlights of this year’s Shell-A-Bration — moved to a virtual format as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic — will include the delivery of 36 farm-fresh oysters, shucking knives and a towel from Oysters XO, a virtual cooking demonstration, the fan-favorite restaurant shuck-off competition between local New Orleans restaurants, and a performance from indie-pop and rock band Sweet Crude.
“While we were of course hoping to have 2021 Shell-A-Bration in person, we are excited for the virtual program we have put together. Not only will this be a great way to have fun and to enjoy yourself, but it is all for a wonderful cause. And, as an added bonus, you don’t have to be in Louisiana to participate. Anyone located in the United States can take part,” said Marissa Wendte, development director at the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana. “If you’ve always wanted to learn to shuck oysters like a pro, while simultaneously benefitting Louisiana’s coast, this is the perfect event for you!”
Launched in June 2014, CRCL’s Oyster Shell Recycling Program is the first program of its kind in Louisiana. To date, it has collected more than 10 million pounds of shell and returned it to Louisiana waters. A majority of the shell collected is utilized to construct oyster reefs, which not only protect Louisiana’s vulnerable shoreline by breaking waves, but also provide oysters hard surfaces for settlement and growth, leading to improved water quality and fishing habitats which supports the local economy.
The first reef constructed by CRCL — a half-mile long living shoreline — was installed in Biloxi Marsh in Nov. 2016, and the latest one was installed in Barataria Bay in August 2020. CRCL monitors the shoreline changes and reef development at its project sites throughout the year to assess the program’s success. Twenty percent of shell collected is donated to an aquaculture program with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to help support Louisiana’s oyster fishery and promote healthy reefs across the state.
For more information on Shell-A-Bration, or to purchase tickets, visit: https://www.crcl.org/shell-a-bration. To learn more about CRCL’s Oyster Shell Recycling Program and how you can get involved, visit: https://www.crcl.org/oyster-shell-recycling.