Visitors to Louisiana spent approximately $16.2 billion last year, showing a nearly 4% increase from 2022. The renowned cuisine of New Orleans, particularly its oysters, plays a major role in attracting tourists.
Aside from satisfying the appetites of tourists and locals, Louisiana restaurants are contributing to the effort to combat land loss on the coast.
Oysters hold a significant place in Louisiana’s culinary culture. The famous oysters Rockefeller dish originated in 1889 at Antoine’s in New Orleans.
Now, these shellfish and their shells are serving another purpose in benefiting the area.
“Louisiana is facing a critical land-loss crisis. Over the past century, we have lost over 2000 square miles of land,” stated Michael Biros, the restoration program director with the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, in an interview with The Associated Press.
The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana reports that since 2014, more than 13 million pounds of shells have been utilized to construct reefs at various coastal locations.
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Many of these shells originate from the famous restaurants in New Orleans. The state offers tax credits of one dollar for every 50 pounds recycled.
“We’re breaking free from this cycle of pessimism and demonstrating that there is a way to thrive, that we can envision a future in this environment,” Biros added.
The construction of levees along the Mississippi River has disrupted sediment vital for supporting stable ground. Additionally, Louisiana’s land loss is attributed to rising sea levels and the destruction of vast wetlands by hurricanes.
Volunteers play a significant role in building shell reefs, with many becoming involved after Hurricane Katrina, collaborating with AmeriCorps.
“When volunteers witness the tangible outcomes of our efforts — such as an entire oyster reef safeguarding a culturally significant site for potential generations — it is a significant victory. It is crucial for individuals to witness this progress as it instills hope that more can be accomplished,” explained Morgan Randall, a former AmeriCorps volunteer now serving as a senior coordinator of communications with the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana.
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For Louisiana, which produces approximately one-third of the nation’s oysters, the new reefs are creating breeding grounds for more oysters.
“New oysters grow on old oyster shells. Consequently, the reef expands over time and can adapt to rising sea levels. It can expand and remains one of the most effective strategies for shoreline stabilization,” mentioned Biros.
Oysters also help maintain water cleanliness, with each oyster capable of filtering up to 50 gallons of water daily.
