Answer
Restaurants and nonprofits collect shucked shells to rebuild reef substrate—ask whether your crab house participates rather than tossing shells in hotel trash. Visitor participation is mostly dining-driven; do not dump personal shells on random beaches. Shell density helps spat settlement in restoration science.
Sources: Maryland Coastal Bays Program · Maryland DNR
Editorial visitor guidance for Ocean City, Maryland. Confirm current Town of Ocean City, Maryland DNR, NPS Assateague, and NWS rules when regulations or safety apply.
