In 2009–12, South Carolina turned 285 abandoned crab traps into oyster-reef bases; oysters grew within 7 months on experimental reefs

AI-generated representative image showing a concrete-coated crab trap repurposed as a foundation for oyster growth in a South Carolina tidal creek. Credits – GeminiIf you walk along the beach of a South Carolina creek during low tide, you might notice the debris the water leaves behind. Tattered rope, broken dock planks, plastic bottles, and even a cube of rusty wire that was formerly used as blue crab bait.