In June of 2007 Haseltine created and installed her first oyster reef  a pilot project experiment in New York City McNeil Park College Point  Queens.  The project is the first of its kind in New York City using  low volts of electricity from solar panels to produce a calcium  carbonate accretion conducive to oyster growth a process called  "Biorock" originally developed by Architect Wolf Hilbritz  and used worldwide for coral reef restoration  http://www.globalcoral.org/ . Haseltine collaborated on this project which is  a live experiment with Marine biologist and Atmospheric Scientist Dr. Thomas  Goreau,  Colombia University Graduate student Katlin Baird and  engineering student Michael DiDonato.

"Biorock" accretion method

For this reef Haseltine's concept was to create a modular design in metal, using solar panels to send low volts of electricity to metal and thus causing mineral accretion to occur as calcium carbonate formed on the structures.  In the wild, oyster larvae typically settle on oyster shells, which are composed of  calcium carbonate (limestone).  With  this experiment the calcium carbonate covered surfaces of the metal in time become ideal settling spots for oyster larvae.

Computer Design

In keeping with her previous work Haseltine has looked into the microscopic realm to find the perfect shape for her structures and create a design. Inspired by the double helix in the act of transcription of RNA,. Haseltine has playfully dubbed the sculpture "TRANSCRIPTEASE".  Double-helix shapes unwind and seem to  dance around the pilings, bringing both aesthetic beauty and optimal functionality to the project. "TRANSCRIPTEASE" also doubles as a teaching  tool, as the sculptures depict DNA in the act of replication. One  sculpture is a fully formed DNA helix, the other depicts the DNA  in the act of unraveling into the two separate strands of messenger RNA (mRNA).

DNA sculpture unraveling out of water at site

The vertical twisted forms are optimal for oyster beds because it’s vertical shape allows for water to flow freely, thus allowing oysters the maximum amount of nutrients and keeping them perched above the sediment at the bottom. Vertical structures with plenty of ventilation space where nutrients can reach the oysters have proved to be the best way to grow healthy oysters. 

This design is actually an improvement on the typical oyster midden in which the oysters at the bottom are often smothered in sediment or covered by other oysters at the top of the pile so the ones on the bottom literally starve. To offset this problem, Haseltine's created a design which allows for water to flow freely in order for the oysters to  receive the maximum amount of nutrients. In this prototype Haseltine utilized the architecture of pre-existing wooden pilings as a structural support to create vertical structures.

This is an enviromentally sound and elegant use of the pilings which cannot be removed as  they are considered hazardous waste and are found throughout the  coastline of New York's waterways.  The use of the pilings has the  advantage of more strength as well as saving space while still  enjoying the advantages of re-creating a biodiverse habitat, which  would not interfere with Benthic or bottom dwelling fish.

Instal at low tide	Detail of sculpture with tagged oysters

In her quest to create the ultimate urban oyster reef she is currenlty conducting experiments with the:
Global Coral Reef Alliance: http://www.globalcoral.org
New York New Jersey BayKeeper:http://www.nynjbaykeeper.org/
The River Project :http://www.riverproject.org/
Gaia Institute:http://www.gaiainstituteny.org/