The Oil Spill's Impact on Gulf Coast Oysters

摘要

Oysters are an integral part of the Gulf of Mexico. They clump together to act as coral reefs that protect, shelter, and form vital nursery grounds for other aquatic species. They act as natural water purifiers, filtering anywhere from 25 to 50 gallons of water per day in the bays and estuaries where they dwell. Often referred to as the "backbone of marine life," oysters fall near the bottom of the food chain, providing nourishment for all types of sea life, including birds at low tide.