Who is SCORE?
Oyster catcher on a oyster bed!
Oysters are more than just a snack, they are essential ecosystem engineers that help keep coastal environments healthy and resilient. Along the South Carolina coast, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) runs the SCORE Program, which stands for South Carolina Oyster Recycling and Enhancement. This community-based habitat restoration program works to rebuild oyster reefs by recycling oyster shells and using them to create new reef structures where young oysters can settle and grow. Oyster reefs provide critical habitat for fish, crabs, shrimp, and many other species while also improving water quality by filtering sediments and nutrients. They even help stabilize shorelines by buffering waves and reducing erosion. Over the past 25 years, hundreds of thousands of bushels of oyster shells have been recycled across the state, creating miles of living shoreline and strengthening coastal ecosystems.
Healthy oyster reefs play a vital role in South Carolina’s estuaries. A single oyster can filter ~50 gallons of water a day, helping improve water clarity and overall ecosystem health. Oyster reefs support biodiversity by providing shelter and nursery habitat for many commercial and recreational target species. However, when oysters are harvested, their shells are often removed from the environment thus taking away the hard surfaces that future oyster larvae need to attach and grow. Restoration programs like SCORE help replace that lost habitat, ensuring that new generations of oysters can thrive and continue supporting the rich marine life found along our coast.
One of the most exciting parts of the SCORE program is that anyone can get involved. Volunteers help bag recycled oyster shells, participate in reef-building events, assist with water quality monitoring, and support outreach efforts that spread awareness about oyster conservation. These hands-on opportunities allow community members to play a direct role in restoring South Carolina’s coastal habitats. If you’re interested in lending a hand, visit the SCORE program here to learn about upcoming volunteer days and how you can get involved!