Lecture Notes: The Ecological Importance of Oysters

Key Points

• Water Filtration

  • An adult native oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water daily.
  • Oysters remove algae, nutrients, and sediment from the water.
  • This filtration process results in improved water quality.

• Reef Building

  • Oysters contribute to the construction of reefs.
  • These reefs provide essential habitats for fish and numerous invertebrates.

Importance

• The ability of oysters to filter water and build reefs showcases their ecological significance in aquatic environments.
• The presence of oyster reefs supports biodiversity by providing habitats and improving water quality.