Thousands of oyster shells from the Oyster Bay Oyster Fest will be recycled, town officials say.

The shells will eventually go into Oyster Bay and Cold Spring Harbor, as part of the town's recently launched Shell Recycling Program. It's part of a further commitment to protect the marine ecosystem.

"These shells provide an excellent source of habitat for young shellfish to grow and mature,” said Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino.

The shells will also protect these animals from extreme weather and predators. They need to cure for at least six months in the sun before they will be ready to return to the water.