The document discusses oyster shell recycling programs along the Atlantic coast and eastern seaboard. It outlines the decline of oyster populations due to pollution, overfishing and disease. The objective of shell recycling programs is to collect empty oyster shells from restaurants and casinos, and drop them into rivers and estuaries to strengthen oyster habitats and populations, with the goal of rebuilding the oyster industry. Recycling shells provides habitat for new oysters to grow while reducing costs and improving water quality. The programs discussed are taking place in New Jersey, Long Island, New York City, South Carolina, Maryland and Virginia.