Oysters: How Nature-Based Infrastructure May Be the Answer to Staten Island's Eroding Coastline

Nancy McKeown, Verrazzano Class of 2023, completed major in Biology 7-12

Staten Island is often referred to as “the forgotten borough.” However, with historic changes on the horizon, it will soon be known for its innovative approach to nature-based infrastructure. Over the past decade, the topic of climate change and historic environmental events has become prevalent in conversation nationally and internationally. This is especially true for Staten Island residents following Superstorm Sandy in 2012. The immediate devastation to families could be seen through photos of decimated homes and recounts of escaping rising waters during the storm’s surging waters. In recent years, researchers have been able to document the aftereffects to the Staten Island coastline and the increased rate of erosion facing communities residing in the area.

After learning about the Billion Oyster Project in 2015, I was fascinated by their work. Their goal was to restore oyster reefs to the New York Harbor and bring ecological solutions to Staten Island through their project, Living Breakwaters. Combined with my love for science and educating the next generation, their mission of “restoration without education is temporary” stuck with me. This led me to develop my Capstone, “Oysters: How Nature-Based Infrastructure May Be the Answer to Staten Island's Eroding Coastline.” Through my research, I investigated how Staten Island’s urban livability is affected by the eroding coastline and how we can address the importance of student involvement in solving ecological issues within their community.

During the process of completing my Capstone, I investigated how nature-based infrastructure offers benefits ecologically and societally. I discovered the “Room for the River” initiative that began in 2007 in Nijmegen, Netherlands. This project described a city similar to Staten Island where more than half of the population resided in flood-prone areas. Upon understanding how they utilized nature-based infrastructure to assist with restoring the main river’s natural flood plains, I found the initiative offered long-term community benefits.

As a combined portion of my research, I explored how students could become directly involved in solving local ecological issues while also learning about how oysters played a critical role in Staten Island’s history. This led me to delve into the vast history of Sandy Ground, the first free Black community in New York and the oldest continuously inhabited free black community in the country. I was amazed by the deep-rooted history Sandy Ground encompassed including how their local church served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Their community prided themselves on their involvement in the oyster industry and self-sufficiency ranging from basket weaving for the oystermen to self-taught blacksmiths. After learning the crucial role Sandy Ground played in the socio-ecological landscape of oysters in New York Harbor, I knew students should be given the opportunity to learn about these initiatives in a cross-curricular manner.

If I had the opportunity in the future, I would extend my research to develop Aquaculture classes available to students in urban public schools on Staten Island. Through this class, students would be able to dive deeper into environmental science, water chemistry, and marine biology in the classroom directly related to their community. Additionally, the class would offer students the opportunity to participate in a career and technical education program (CTE) where they could extend their knowledge into work-related fields.

Growing up on Staten Island, I realized several years ago that I never had the opportunity to learn about the history encompassing the borough. This project allowed me to dive deeper into the ecological initiatives on the horizon while also examining the history of Sandy Ground in correlation to the oyster trade. By utilizing the scientific information I’ve obtained from my research, I will continue to encourage students to connect with their community and fall in love with the environment around them.