IVETTE FELICIANO:

The oyster reefs not only filter the water, they also provide habitat for other wildlife and help protect erosion of the shoreline from future storms and flooding.

Since the project began three years ago, students have planted over 24 million oysters in the harbor.

While these oysters are not destined for consumption, restaurants across the city are participating, by providing millions of recycled oyster shells to build back the reefs.