OYSTERS Crassostrea virginica

2003-2004

2013-2014

50,018BUSHELS

926,425BUSHELS

cbf.org

One adult oyster can filter50 gallons of water per day. That’s the same amount ofwater that would fill an aver-age bathtub. Significantamounts of pollutant nitro-gen are removed from thewater in this processMaryland and Virginia’s

economies have lost over$4 Billion Dollars in thelast 30 years because ofthe decline in oysters.

Oyster reefs provide habitat and food for crabs,fish, and other Bay critters. Because of their three-dimensional shapes, reefs also break up tidalcurrents, helping mix oxygen in deeper water.At one time, oysters were so abundant in the Baythat their reefs defined the major river channels.Restoring oyster reefs will bring back the oyster’simportant ecological functions.

In recent years,oyster harvests have improved

dramatically, signalling a possibleturnaround for this important species. Increased

survival from the diseases that have plagued oysters anda fast-growing aquaculture industry are the primary causes.

CBF and our volunteershave planted more than200 Million Oysters.

Sources: Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Virginia Marine Resources Commission

Bay-Wide Oyster Harvests