Screen Shot 2016-08-02 at 11.10.41 AMOyster-attracting surfaces are being scattered along the waterfront of Providence, RI. One purpose is to act as coastal buffering, weakening waves and reducing erosion during the increasingly violent storms and rising seas of coming decades. When the forms, called SHELL-ter, become encrusted with shellfish they’re expected to inexpensively protect the decaying seawall and pilings. A single adult oyster can also filter up to 50 gallons daily, improving water quality.