Shell-A-Bration, an annual party that promotes the state’s oyster industry and supports the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana’s Oyster Shell Recycling Program, is returning to Audubon Zoo on March 27. The family-friendly event at the New Orleans zoo’s Louisiana Swamp Exhibit will feature live music, fresh oysters and other local delectables, beer and wine and a silent auction. The cost of admission covers all food and drink; VIP tickets are also available.

T Marie and Bayou Juju will provide the music this year. The Sirens of New Orleans, a Carnival dancing group, will also perform. A silent auction will feature items including jewelry, gift cards, artworks and fig trees.

Both traditional and off-bottom oysters will be available to guests. Louisiana Seafood is donating traditional oysters. Oyster farmers from La Belle, Bayou Rosa, Brightside and Shelley will be shucking and serving their off-bottom bivalves. All oyster shells from the event will be returned to the water by CRCL..

Proceeds from Shell-A-Bration will support CRCL’s Oyster Shell Recycling Program, which in just over a decade has returned more than 15 million pounds of shell to the water, creating oyster reefs that slow the rate of erosion and create habitat for new oysters to grow. Oyster reefs also help minimize storm surge. CRCL and a large cadre of partners including NFL Green, Super Bowl Host Committee, Chefs Brigade and Force Blue recently installed an oyster reef living shoreline at Leeville in south Lafourche Parish. The organization is planning to build another reef this fall at Dulac.

CWPPRA Managing Agencies: