Title
Common Atlantic Oyster (Crassostrea virginica)
FMM2011.20.118
Subject
seashells, bivalves, shell collectors
Description
Composite of shells fused together. Gray with some brown, purple, white.
Oysters are a popular seafood delicacy, eaten raw or cooked. Species like these Eastern Oysters (Crassostrea virginica) live in oyster reefs, which are dense clusters of fused-together shells. Oyster reefs are important ecologically, providing habitats for hundreds of other species and filtering the surrounding water – one oyster can up to 50 gallons of water per day! Due to various human and environmental factors, oyster populations are at historic lows. There are many restoration projects that are working to preserve these valuable habitats. One such project involves recycling oyster shells used to restaurants to help establish new reefs, an initiative which several local restaurants participate in.
Oysters are a popular seafood delicacy, eaten raw or cooked. Species like these Eastern Oysters (Crassostrea virginica) live in oyster reefs, which are dense clusters of fused-together shells. Oyster reefs are important ecologically, providing habitats for hundreds of other species and filtering the surrounding water – one oyster can up to 50 gallons of water per day! Due to various human and environmental factors, oyster populations are at historic lows. There are many restoration projects that are working to preserve these valuable habitats. One such project involves recycling oyster shells used to restaurants to help establish new reefs, an initiative which several local restaurants participate in.
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