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Horry County recognizes oyster stewardship program, presenters push countywide shell recycling
Summary
Council recognized the Horry County Oyster Stewardship program and heard a presenter describe a shell‑recycling and reef restoration effort that staff said has created large man‑made reefs and filters substantial amounts of water.
Horry County Council on Nov. 18 recognized the county Oyster Stewardship program and heard a presentation outlining how restaurant shell waste can be cured and reused to restore oyster habitat.
"Our goal is to create a self sustaining system, turning the waste product into a resource for long term resilience," said Rick Kerry, identified in the record as watershed planner, describing a program that collects shells from restaurants, festivals and transfer stations, cures them for roughly six months and places them in baskets at erosion sites to form reefs.
The presenter described the program as having produced what the transcript called "the largest man made oyster reefs in the state of South Carolina, filtering 210,000,000 gallons of water every day." Council approved Resolution R1552025 recognizing the program by voice vote.
Why it matters: Shell recycling and reef restoration can improve water quality, reduce erosion and support fisheries habitat. The county described partnerships with the Department of Natural Resources, local schools and stormwater crews as central to the effort.
Next steps: The presenter urged strengthening partnerships and launching a countywide shell recycling program to scale the effort.
Note on record: At one point the chair introduced the presenter as "Brent Carey," while the presenter introduced himself as "Rick Kerry"; the transcript contains both names. The article attributes program comments to the speaker who delivered the presentation in the record.
