oysters are a keystone species that provides habitat for all sorts of wildlife; they protect against shoreline erosion, and can filter 2.5 gallons of water per hour. despite having a lot of oysters in south carolina, the overall population has declined by over 80%. why? while overharvesting and climate change play a role, the state has a surprising lack of substrate for baby oysters (spat) to latch onto.

this video showcases the south carolina department of natural resources’ score program, which brings biologists and community members together to create “living shorelines” out of recycled oyster shells to act as natural substrate.