New York City was once known as “the Big Oyster,” with oyster reefs playing a central role in the harbor’s ecosystem. However, overharvesting, industrialization, and pollution led to their collapse, but today, oysters are looking to make a comeback.

In this episode of Sustainability in Progress, we speak with Charlotte Boesch of the Billion Oyster Project about their efforts to restore oyster reefs across New York Harbor. We discuss why oysters are a keystone species, how recycled shells from restaurants are transformed into reef habitats, and what it takes to grow and install millions of oysters in New York City's harbor.

The conversation covers the science behind oyster filtration, the role reefs play in supporting biodiversity and reducing wave energy during storms, and the challenges of large-scale restoration.