Sink Your Shucks™ Oyster Recycling Program Celebrates New Partnership with Texan by Nature as 2025 Conservation Wrangler
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — With more than three million pounds of oyster shells recycled, 45 acres of reef restored, and more than 12,000 community members engaged, the Sink Your Shucks™ oyster shell recycling program has become a model for coastal conservation in Texas.
The program led by the Harte Research Institute (HRI) at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi was designated a 2025 Texan by Nature Conservation Wrangler, a prestigious recognition celebrating the state’s most impactful and innovative conservation projects.
This partnership is designed to amplify the program’s impact — expanding oyster shell recycling, advancing reef restoration, and deepening community engagement across the Texas coast. With Texan by Nature’s resources and expertise, Sink Your Shucks is poised to grow its reach and drive even greater environmental and economic benefits for coastal communities.
Conservation Wrangler is an accelerator program that catalyzes the best Texan-led conservation projects occurring in the state. Selected projects are science-based and demonstrate positive Return on Conservation™ benefits for people, prosperity, and natural resources.
As part of the Conservation Wrangler program, the Sink Your Shucks program will receive 12–18 months of tailored support focused on program management, strategic planning, marketing, and outreach.
Now in its 16th year, the program has demonstrated the power of collaboration between science and community to restore oyster reefs and recycle shells for the Texas Gulf Coast.
“We are honored to be selected among the most impactful Texan-led conservation projects,” said Sink Your Shucks Program Coordinator Stephanie DeWaters. “This recognition highlights the dedication of our team and partners in restoring oyster reefs and promoting sustainable coastal conservation. We are excited to keep growing our lasting impact for our local marine ecosystems and coastal communities.”
Sink Your Shucks’ efforts were recently strengthened by a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) grant, which funded the purchase of a specialized truck to expand shell pickup and recycling capacity.
“Being named a Texan by Nature Conservation Wrangler is an incredible opportunity to strengthen our impact,” said Dr. Jennifer Pollack, Sink Your Shucks™ founder and HRI’s Larry McKinney Endowed Chair for Coastal Conservation and Restoration. “This partnership will help us grow our efforts in oyster reef restoration, expand community engagement, and continue developing innovative solutions for sustaining our coast.”
This marks the second time a program at HRI has received this distinction as the citizen-science program Bringing Baffin Back™ was named a Conservation Wrangler in 2022.