The BOP is a New York City-based nonprofit organization created in 2014 with the goal of restoring oyster reefs to New York Harbor in collaboration with New York City communities. They are hoping to restore one billion oysters by 2035.
Because oysters are filter feeders, they serve as a natural water filter, with a number of beneficial effects for the ecosystem. The reefs they form increase habitat and subsequent marine biodiversity levels and help protect the city’s shorelines from storm surges.
BOP’s annual event, the Billion Oyster Social, was held in the Wythe Hotel’s Penthouse Loft, with sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline and a private rooftop terrace.
It provided a vehicle to meet in a relatively small group to convey BOP’s mission, all while indulging in local East Coast oysters prepared in three unique ways, paired with cocktails using Talisker whiskey — BOP’s leading Shell Collection Program sponsor.
Ben LoGuidice, BOP’s oyster production program manager, explained that an event like this is important because it allows for a connection with the public on a much deeper level.
“That’s what we are about — getting community members involved in what we are doing because, without them, no changes would be made,” LoGuidice said. “It’s truly about restoring a happy, healthy harbor.”
BOP’s Director of Communications, Helene Hetrick, said, “We are a coastal city. However, a lot of people don’t really think of New York as that because we’ve become very disconnected from nature and the harbor — and the harbor is one of the most valuable resources we have.”
Hetrick said she is hoping to restore somewhere between 60 and 80 million oysters in 2024, “which is a big increase over past years, as we generally do about 25 million a year.”
However, restoring oysters is quite an…
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