Catch Info:

• Method:
  Off-Bottom Culture
• Gear:
  Longline culture

View details of SeafoodWatch Catch Methods

Description:

Harvested wild and farm raised around the world, oysters take on the flavors of the waters around them, thus oysters are often named by their origin. Salinity is the biggest factor, but temperature can affect their size and texture as well and the nutrients present in the surrounding water can affect their flavor.

Oysters are found in coastal waters all over the world.

Many wild populations of oysters have decline substantially due to habitat loss, coastal pollution, and overharvest. Now wild oyster harvest is regulated to conserve what remains and in some areas wild beds are being rehabilitated to increase populations. Wild oysters are harvested with dredges or tongs, which is a fairly gentle method. Farmed oysters are usually raised in bags or racks or attached to ropes in their native habitats. Oysters are filter feeders, removing excess nutrients and particulate matter from the water as they feed, actually improving water quality in the surrounding area.

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