By the Sea Lecture featuring conservationist Tom Twyford

By the Sea Lecture featuring conservationist Tom Twyford

Event Details

• What: By the Sea Lecture featuring conservationist Tom Twyford

• When: August 20, 2025 | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

• Where: Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Juno Beach, FL

About Tom Twyford

Tom Twyford is deeply rooted in Florida’s estuary conservation scene. He’s served as vice-chairman of the Palm Beach County Artificial Reef and Estuarine Enhancement Committee and previously led Fish Florida—a nonprofit focused on youth fishing and conservation.

In recognition of his efforts restoring vital habitats, he received the Melissa Laser Fish Habitat Conservation Award in 2022. Under his leadership, approximately 250 acres of mangrove, seagrass, and oyster reef habitat have been restored in Palm Beach County.

What the Presentation Covers

Tom will introduce the new Palm Beach County Fishing Foundation (PBCFF) Oyster Shell Recycling & Restoration Program. This initiative aims to:

• Prevent oyster shells from ending up in landfills

• Support oyster recruitment by supplying ideal substrate

• Help clean and clarify water through oyster filtration

• Stabilize shorelines and curb erosion

• Boost habitat for a variety of marine species and enhance coastal ecosystems in Lake Worth Lagoon and beyond

The program already enjoys backing from local partners—shells are being sourced from The Breakers Resort, while MacArthur Beach State Park operates a nearby curing station. Funding is provided through the West Palm Beach Fishing Club’s foundation and other donors.

Why It Matters

Oyster shell recycling is more than an eco-friendly practice—it’s an environmental necessity. Oyster reefs are known as “ecosystem engineers” because they:

• Filter expansive volumes of water

• Provide essential habitat for fish, invertebrates, and other marine life

• Reduce shoreline erosion and act as natural wave buffers

• Improve clarity and health of coastal waters

Tom’s program plugs into this larger mission of sustainability and resilience for our local waterways.

Why You Should Attend

• Learn firsthand from a local conservationist about a groundbreaking restoration effort

• Discover how oyster recycling transforms community cooperation into coastal impact

• Chat with neighbors and volunteers passionate about marine conservation

• Be inspired to contribute—whether by volunteering, advocating, or spreading the word!

Quick Recap