Oysters in New York City

[1][2] They were abundant in the marine life of New York–New Jersey Harbor Estuary, functioning as water filtration and as a food source beginning with Native communities in Lenapehoking.

City Island, Bronx was a major source of harvesting among other places, but severe overfishing led to devastation of the oyster population.

In 1974, the MTA had the approached restaurateur Jerome Brody to reopened the original location, bringing the restaurant - and oysters - back to Grand Central Station.

[14][15] The shells provide hard surface and are rich in calcium carbonate, a perfect environment for the baby oysters to grow.

They also have restoration sites at Lemon Creek Park, Mario Cuomo Bridge, and SUNY Maritime College.

"Oyster stalls and lunch room at Fulton Market ", 1867
The lunch counter at the Grand Central Oyster Bar in Grand Central Terminal.
Sign advertising the Project at a ferry terminal the Bronx, New York
Community oyster reef installation in Coney Island Creek, Brooklyn.