About ISRS

Our Mission

To build community, facilitate communication, and promote innovation within the shellfish restoration community worldwide.

Our Vision

A future where healthy shellfish ecosystems support resilient coasts, thriving marine life, and sustainable communities across the globe.

Our Story

Since 1996, the International Conference on Shellfish Restoration (ICSR) has served as a landmark gathering for the global shellfish restoration community. What began as a meeting of passionate scientists and practitioners has grown into a worldwide movement, bringing together diverse voices and perspectives to advance the science and practice of shellfish restoration.

In 2024, we took an important step forward by establishing the International Shellfish Restoration Society (ISRS) as a dedicated non-profit organization. This transition reflects our community's growth and the increasing importance of shellfish restoration in addressing coastal ecosystem challenges. By creating a permanent organizational home for ICSR and related initiatives, we're better positioned to support collaboration, innovation, and impact in shellfish restoration worldwide.

Partners & Collaborators

ISRS works closely with leading organizations and networks worldwide, including:

Our Values

Science-based

We are committed to advancing and applying rigorous scientific research to inform shellfish restoration policy and practice.

Collaborative

We actively foster partnerships and knowledge-sharing among diverse stakeholders to achieve shellfish restoration goals.

Inclusive

We welcome and value diverse perspectives, knowledge, and participation from all backgrounds and sectors in the shellfish restoration community.

Innovative

We promote creative problem-solving and the development of novel tools and approaches to address current and emerging challenges.

Impact-driven

We strive to bridge the gap between science and practice to accelerate the implementation and scaling of effective shellfish restoration efforts.

Sustainable

We seek to promote the long-term health and resilience of coastal ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.

Our Community

ISRS brings together a diverse coalition of stakeholders:

  • Research scientists and academics

  • Resource managers and regulators

  • Shellfish farmers and fishers

  • Conservation organizations

  • Indigenous groups

  • Community organizations

  • Industry partners

  • Students and early career professionals

  • Policymakers and officials

  • Educators and outreach specialists

Our Impact

ISRS advances shellfish restoration through:

Knowledge Exchange

  • Hosting the biennial International Conference on Shellfish Restoration

  • Facilitating year-round networking and collaboration

  • Supporting regional restoration networks

  • Sharing best practices and lessons learned

Innovation

  • Promoting research and development

  • Fostering new approaches to restoration challenges

  • Supporting emerging technologies and methods

  • Connecting science with practice

Community Building

  • Engaging diverse stakeholders

  • Supporting early career professionals

  • Fostering international collaboration

  • Building capacity for restoration

Strategic Priorities

  • Advance scientific understanding and application of best practices for shellfish restoration

  • Foster an engaged global network of shellfish restoration professionals and organizations

  • Increase public awareness and support for shellfish restoration benefits

  • Advocate for policies, regulations, and investments that enable science-based restoration

  • Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of shellfish restoration

  • Enhance ISRS and ICSR's impact as catalysts for restoration success

Stay Connected

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