Pearls of Sustainability: Restoring the Chesapeake Bay One Shell at a Time

We’re in the final stretch of summer, and there’s no better way to soak it in than with a beach day. As you stroll the shore, you might spot shells scattered in the sand—some of which once housed oysters. These warm, sunny months may be an excellent time to enjoy oysters, but beyond being a summer delicacy, oysters play a vital role in supporting ocean health. This means that eating them (especially when farmed sustainably) can actually help the planet.

MGM National Harbor is championing efforts to support local watermen and oyster farms all while improving multiple areas of sustainability like waste, water, biodiversity and food. 

This is a commitment to preserving the environment and giving back to the community. One shining example is the resort’s oyster recycling initiative, a program that breathes new life into discarded shells while restoring the Chesapeake Bay’s natural ecosystem. In partnership with the Oyster Recovery Partnership (ORP) and other local organizations, this initiative ensures that every oyster served does more than satisfy your appetite—it helps revitalize local waters.

Voltaggio Brothers Steak House, a signature restaurant at the resort known for its impressive seafood tower and daily oyster selection, plays a key role in the effort. Shells are collected from the restaurant weekly, then handed over to ORP’s Shell Recycling Alliance. From there, they’re transported to the University of Maryland’s Horn Point Oyster Hatchery, where they’re aged, washed, and paired with lab-grown oyster larvae. These baby oysters attach to the recycled shells and are then planted on restored oyster reefs in the Chesapeake Bay. Once in the water, they go to work—filtering silt, sediment, and excess nutrients, and providing habitat for fish, crabs, and other marine life.

In 2024 alone, the program helped collect more than 27,000 bushels of oyster shells! MGM National Harbor also partners with an impressive network of environmental leaders—including Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, NOAA, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and several local waterkeeper groups—all working together to restore oyster populations and protect the Bay.

Every time a guest enjoys oysters at MGM National Harbor, they’re taking part in something much bigger: a shared mission to protect our waters, support marine life, and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.

SEE ALSO: Stay Radiant and Chill All Summer at MGM National Harbor