How Oysters affect the Bay

HOW OYSTERS AFFECT THE BAY

• In 2008 the oyster population stands at about 1% of its historic levels
• Bivalves once grew so thickly that the reefs broke the waters surface

HOW OYSTERS LIVE

• Oysters need to live clean or they will soon die
• They live in bushels together in a hard shell
• They eat the algae surrounding them

OYSTER POPULATION

• They have a positive affect on the water quality
• Bay water isn't very good water but they oysters make it cleaner
• Water quality criteria is levels of dissolved oxygen

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