Oyster castles are concrete structures that provide a base for oyster reefs. They can be used on shorelines with higher wave action than other materials. (Photo: SRS/SCDNR) Press Release provided by SCDNR

BEAUFORT, S.C.- On June 21, 2025, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) staff, partners and volunteers will install 500 feet of oyster castles on the shorelines of Parris Island in the agency's largest ever single-day build. 

“This is a prime example of legislative support, public volunteerism, and multi-jurisdictional cooperation at the highest level," said SCDNR SCORE (South Carolina Oyster Recycling and Enhancement) biologist Michael Hodges. "This kind of work reinforces the notion that we are all part of one community dedicated to being superb environmental stewards for the State of South Carolina."

Funded through the South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs Military Enhancement Fund, the build will bring together partners from the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, the Town of Port Royal, Global Eco Adventures and Coastal Carolina University.

SCDNR's SCORE (South Carolina Oyster Recycling and Enhancement) program has been pioneering oyster reef and living shoreline construction over the past 25 years. Oyster castles are a proven successful method of restoring oysters and providing ecosystem benefits such as shoreline stabilization, providing essential fish habitat and filtering water.

A contractor’s barge will be placing pallets of oyster castles at predetermined locations along the 500 feet of shoreline the day before the event. Volunteers will off-load those pallets and move the material approximately five feet.

Interested in volunteering for an event like this? Another reef construction event is scheduled for July 19, 2025, and the SCORE program is looking for volunteers to assist. Interested participants can email richtera@dnr.sc.gov.