Billion Oyster Project gathers thousands of supporters at annual party

From celebrities to advocates, the environmental project brings awareness to NYC waterfronts

September 30, 2024 Wayne Daren Schneiderman

A farmer from Blackstone Point Oysters shucks oysters for the table. Photo by Avery Loftis

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BROOKLYN NAVY YARD — More than 2,000 bivalve lovers and environmentally conscious spectators of all ages came together for a worthy cause and a significant occasion on Wednesday evening.

The Billion Oyster Project, a New York City-based nonprofit organization, with the goal of restoring oyster reefs to New York Harbor in collaboration with New York City communities, celebrated its tenth year of existence with a larger than life soiree at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

The organization is hoping to restore one billion oysters by 2035.

Actor and comedian Chevy Chase strikes a "thinking about environmentalism" pose. Photo by Avery Loftis — Actor and comedian Chevy Chase strikes a “thinking about environmentalism” pose. Photo by Avery Loftis

Dubbed the “Billion Oyster Party,” the four-and-a-half hour event featured freshly-shucked oysters from more than 40 oyster farms across the country. Thousands of guests feasted on unlimited oysters and learned about oyster culture and restoration inside the mammoth facility.

There was also an outdoor area where one could indulge in the quality oysters while overlooking the New York Harbor and the iconic New York City skyline. The event also featured an all-star shucking competition.