Image by Flickr user j-fi

Volunteers from the non-profit Coastal Conservation Association and the South Carolina State Ports Authority are recycling 19,000 pounds of oyster shells to the tidelands today.

The shells are being returned as part of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources's Oyster Restoration and Enhancement Program.

Now you know who to thank when you're outside roasting some scrumptious oysters next winter.

The Post and Courier has the wire story.