Put 'Em Back Post

The North Carolina Coastal Federation is working to bring oyster habitat back to the Lower Cape Fear River through an ambitious, multi-year Oyster Pathway. Learn how this collaborative restoration effort is reconnecting reefs, strengthening coastal ecosystems, and creating a healthier future for one of North Carolina’s most important waterways—and how Toadfish is helping support the work.

This summer, the Toadfish Conservation Coalition helped support a new 200-foot living shoreline at SCDNR’s Marine Resources Research Institute at Fort Johnson in Charleston Harbor. Built on years of SCDNR research, the project combines manufactured wire reefs and oyster shell bags to create new oyster habitat, protect an eroding salt marsh, and provide researchers with valuable data on how living shorelines can strengthen South Carolina’s coast.

Toadfish partners with the Oyster Recovery Partnership to support large-scale oyster reef restoration across the Chesapeake Bay. Through shell recycling, reef construction, and community-driven initiatives, ORP is rebuilding critical habitat, improving water quality, and strengthening coastal ecosystems. This collaboration highlights the impact of long-term conservation efforts and the importance of oysters in restoring balance to one of the nation’s most vital and productive estuaries.

Toadfish partners with the Galveston Bay Foundation to support oyster reef restoration and protect Texas coastal ecosystems. This collaboration helps rebuild critical habitat, improve water quality, and strengthen shorelines across Galveston Bay. By working alongside local communities and conservation leaders, the initiative highlights the importance of sustainable practices and long-term stewardship in preserving one of the Gulf Coast’s most vital and productive estuaries.

Toadfish partners with the Virginia Oyster Shell Recycling Program to help restore oyster reefs across the Chesapeake Bay. By recycling used oyster shells, this initiative rebuilds critical habitat, improves water quality, and strengthens coastal ecosystems. Learn how this collaboration supports long-term conservation efforts and brings communities together to protect and restore one of the nation’s most important waterways.

This Cowboy Butter Oyster recipe brings smoky grilled oysters together with a rich garlic herb butter packed with lemon, parsley, chives, and a touch of spice. Using fresh oysters and simple ingredients, this easy grilling recipe delivers bold coastal flavor in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for friends around the grill or elevating your seafood game, these buttery oysters are a simple, crowd-pleasing way to enjoy oysters.

The Toadfish Inshore Bundle is back for a limited time, giving anglers a free $60 tackle kit with select rod and reel combos. Packed with proven inshore gear from Egret Baits Vudu, SaltX, and Toadfish braid, the bundle includes shrimp imitations, paddletails, jig heads, circle hooks, and a popping cork. It’s everything you need to spool up your combo, tie on a bait, and start catching fish!

Marsh Madness Week 1 explores the lifecycle of an oyster from farm to table and beyond. Join Toadfish as we visit Charleston Oyster Farm with Tom Bierce, step behind the raw bar at 167 Raw, and ride along with SCDNR’s oyster shell recycling team. From aquaculture to restaurant service to shell pickup, discover how farmers, chefs, and conservationists work together to keep oysters, and our coastal waters, thriving.

Welcome to Marsh Madness 2026! This year, we'll follow the lifecycle of an oyster from farm to table to reef, highlighting the people and partnerships that make restoration possible. From local oyster farms and restaurants to SCDNR and local volunteers, discover how recycled shells become the foundation for new oyster reefs. Join Toadfish as we explore sustainability, conservation, and how together we keep putting ’em back.