Farmed Oysters: A Sustainable Choice
Imagine diving into the fresh, clear water of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and finding yourself surrounded by multitudes of oysters, gently swaying in the blueish-green water. You’re right in the middle of an oyster farm!
Now that you know the basics of oyster tasting, it’s time to learn how oyster farming positively impacts the marine environment. Your daily choices can make a big difference for our waterways—even from a distance!
The marine biology of oysters
Some species of oyster, a bivalve shellfish, feed on nutrients in the water column, clean waterways and are a delicious source of complete protein. They can change sex during their lifetime, from male to female and back again! Some species reproduce at a distance, meaning that oysters release male and female cells (sperm and eggs) into the water column, which then fertilize and become larvae (baby oysters).
The current sweeps the larvae away until they happen to attach themselves to an underwater surface. This can be a submerged rock or other structure—including the nets, cages or gear used for oyster aquaculture! Once they settle, oysters grow naturally as they filter water in the natural environment.
Why does ocean wise recommend oysters?
Also called marine ranching, mariculture is aquaculture that takes place in a saltwater environment. The primary species farmed in Quebec are mussels, oysters and scallops.
Farmed Canadian oysters that are recommended by Ocean Wise share the following criteria:
- Oysters filter microalgae and phytoplankton—they’re vegetarians! No external protein or food supply is required to produce oysters.
- No fertilizer is used, which protects the integrity of the natural environment.
- Oyster mariculture can improve water quality at some marine sites by removing excess nutrients.
- Oyster farming is associated with several ecological benefits in terms of water quality and local biodiversity.
- Oysters generally live in the seabed or suspended in the water column, and harvesting them has negligible effects on the natural habitat.
Healthy oceans for you and future generations
That’s why it’s easy to help protect oceans and support mariculture practices by purchasing Ocean Wise-recommended products. It’s one way we can keep our oceans healthy and maintain biodiversity for future generations.
Everything is connected, which means we need the environment to be healthy if we want to continue to responsibly enjoy the Blue Planet’s natural treasures.
Find oyster taste tags in grocery stores and savour the flavours of Canada’s oceans.
Enjoy your Ocean Wise oysters!
Written by: Kayla Menu-Courey, Accounts Coordinator, Ocean Wise Seafood, Quebec.
Learn more at seafood.ocean.org