View
223
Download
0
Category
Tags:
Preview:
Citation preview
Oysters
Oysters were once the main
organism harvested from
the bay.
Oysters
Millions of pounds were
harvested every year.
Oysters
As recently as 100 years ago oyster
reefs were so massive that they posed a navigational
hazard to ships.
Oysters
Today, there is about one
percent of the original oyster population in
the bay.
Oysters
Oysters are filter feeders that
perform several vital functions in
the Bay’s ecosystem.
Oysters
Healthy oysters consume algae
and other nutrients in the
water. An oyster can filter up to
five liters of water a day.
Oysters
Oyster reefs provide solid structure for
sessile organisms to
attach.
Oysters
The reef provides homes and
hiding places for organisms like
worms and crabs.
Oysters
Reefs stabilize bottom
sediments for benthic
organisms and aquatic plants.
Oysters
Oyster reefs are so important
that many areas are rebuilding
them.
Oysters
Oysters will spawn as the
water warms in the spring.
Oysters spawn as males the
first year.
Oysters
As oyster get older and build up their energy reserves, they
spawn as females and
release eggs.
Oysters
Fertilized eggs develop into
larva which will eventually settle
and cement themselves to
the bottom.
Oysters
At this young stage, they are
known as spats.
Oysters often attach to other
oysters.
Recommended