Holding Back the Tide

New York Harbor was once teeming with oysters, which played a crucial role in the local ecosystem. They served as both a staple food for the Lenape people and New Amsterdam settlers, and their filtering abilities helped to maintain the water quality of the harbor.

Human activities led to the overharvesting of oysters, which dramatically reduced their population. This decline not only affected the oyster reefs but also the broader aquatic habitat and the health of the harbor's ecosystem.

As climate change intensifies, New York City's environment is increasingly threatened. Rising tides, severe flooding, and pollution from Combined Sewer Overflows signify a critical point in the city's environmental health.

In response to these environmental challenges, various organizations have emerged to support sustainable solutions. Collaborations between non-profits, for-profits, and political entities are aimed at making the city more livable for future generations.

Recent reports indicate that the water quality of New York's harbor is at its best in over a century. This significant improvement is largely attributed to the dedicated efforts of environmental organizations and community activists.

The Billion Oyster Project (BOP) has initiated innovative programs to restore oyster populations. By partnering with local restaurants to collect discarded oyster shells, BOP creates new habitats for baby oysters to thrive.

The landscape design firm SCAPE is implementing the Living Breakwaters project, which aims to construct protective structures offshore. This initiative focuses on safeguarding the neighborhood of Tottenville from storm surges while restoring valuable oyster habitats.

Moody 'The Mothershucker' Harney is working to demystify oysters and make them accessible to everyday diners. His efforts draw inspiration from Thomas Downing, a historic figure in NYC's oystering community, highlighting a reclamation of oyster culture.

Former WNBA star Sue Wicks finds fulfillment and a sense of community through her work in oyster farming. Her connection with the water and the oysters allows her to escape conventional societal norms related to gender, fostering a unique understanding of identity.

The documentary showcases various interventions across all five boroughs, focusing on the role oysters play in New York's environmental narrative. The diverse approaches from different communities are celebrated as they tackle the ticking time-bomb of climate change.