The Oyster Recovery Partnership (ORP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay's oyster population. Through various initiatives such as building sanctuary reefs, supporting oyster farming, and recycling oyster shells, ORP has successfully planted over 11.5 billion oysters on 3,000 acres of reef and recycled more than 300,000 bushels of shell. Their work not only benefits the environment by improving water quality and providing habitat for marine species, but also contributes to the regional economy by supporting businesses involved in oyster harvesting and distribution. ORP's Shell Recycling Alliance, the nation's largest shell recycling network, collects tens of thousands of bushels of shell annually from restaurants and seafood businesses, treating them with baby oysters before returning them to the Chesapeake Bay. Additionally, ORP offers opportunities for the public to get involved through volunteering and events, including the Marylander's Grow Oysters program, which allows individuals to grow oysters at their docks or community piers and then plant them on sanctuary reefs. With a strong network of partners and a commitment to sustainable fisheries, ORP is at the forefront of oyster restoration efforts in the Chesapeake Bay.Generated from the website