We have partnered with the Nature Conservancy of Rhode Island for its “Shell Recycling for Oyster Restoration” program to help increase the self-sustaining oyster population in local waters. Oysters are critical for maintaining healthy estuaries because they act as natural water filters, provide habitat for other marine species and protect shorelines against erosion. Loss of habitat, overharvesting and disease outbreaks have all but wiped out wild oyster populations in Rhode Island. The shells of the oysters we serve in the restaurant are collected on a weekly basis and then returned to their natural habitat. Juvenile oysters preferentially settle on adult oyster shells.