Published: Wednesday, June 9, 2021 Oyster reef restoration. Photo credit: Shannon Stapleton/REUTERS/Newscom Oyster shells and discarded porcelain are used for a New York reef restoration project in 2016. Shannon Stapleton/REUTERS/Newscom NEW YORK HARBOR — It's an odd scene in New York Harbor. On the banks of tree-lined Governors Island, a small group has gathered to watch a tiny gray boat anchor itself in the water. Two figures lean over the side of the vessel, their red life vests standing out against the slate waves. Each clutches several rust-colored mesh sacks, dangling just above the surface of the water. "One ... two ... three!"