Turning the Tides: The Power of Oysters to Combat Climate Change
Did you know oysters are one of the most important living creatures that help mitigate the effects of climate change? Oysters serve a great purpose in our ocean ecosystems that can benefit our planet tremendously. Although small, oysters are some of Earth’s most resilient creatures. Let’s dive in and learn about five ways oysters can help the planet combat climate change!
Oysters Can Sequester Carbon Dioxide as Blue Carbon
Oysters have the ability to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and keep it inside of them. Carbon dioxide is one of the leading greenhouse gasses contributing to the global rise in temperatures, and reducing carbon emissions is one way to help lessen the burden of climate change. When carbon dioxide from the atmosphere accumulates in the ocean, it is referred to as “blue carbon.” By capturing carbon dioxide and storing it as “blue carbon” inside of them, oysters are a climate solution to mitigate the impacts of our emissions.
Oyster Reefs House an Abundance of Marine Life
When oysters aggregate into oyster reefs, they provide habitat for a wide variety of marine life ranging from fish, invertebrates, and crabs, all the way to the microscopic phytoplankton! This leads to an increase in biodiversity, which helps keep the surrounding environment healthy and contributes to the overall ocean health in the area. Oyster reefs also serve as a nursery for many species of fish and invertebrates. These creatures rely on oyster reefs for shelter until they are fully grown since the reefs provide a safe hiding spot from predators.
3. Oyster Reefs Reduce Coastal Erosion
Oyster reefs are found along nearshore and coastal habitats. They serve as natural barriers against strong waves, flooding, and extreme weather. Oyster reefs act as a breakwater, helping to reduce wave energy and reduce coastal erosion. Coastal erosion can be an indirect effect of climate change because of heavy winds and waves, threatening coastal communities and infrastructure. By protecting and restoring oyster reefs, we can safeguard coastlines and the communities that rely on them.
4. Oysters Improve Water Quality in the Ocean
Oysters are filter feeders, so when they feed, they filter nutrients which in turn can help the water quality in the sea. Unwanted particles such as algae, pollutants, and bacteria are filtered through oysters. One oyster can filter over fifty gallons of water per day! Because of their filtration system, oysters support our ocean’s water quality.. This is especially useful to mitigate excess nitrogen, which can lead to harmful algal blooms (HABs), and place more stress on ocean ecosystems.
5. Oyster Reef Restoration Projects Can Accelerate Ocean Recovery Efforts: Across the globe, there are several oyster reef restoration projects benefiting coastal communities. For example, the Billion Oyster Project is working to protect coastlines and ocean health in New York Harbor. Many of these projects consist of volunteer work through nonprofits supporting environmental restoration. Every oyster reef is one step forward toward a healthier environment.
Do you want to get help combat climate change and get hands-on experience with oyster reefs? You can get involved! Search for oyster reef restoration projects in your area and see what interests you. There is an ocean of opportunities waiting for you to dive in.
Credit: Nicole Castilla, Loxahatchee River in Jupiter, Florida
As an early career marine biologist and ocean conservationist, I recently took a course called Coastal Shoreline Restoration where I learned all about oyster reefs and their environmental importance. I had the incredible opportunity to go on a field trip where I visited an oyster reef restoration project site at the Loxahatchee River in Jupiter, Florida. While there, I was able to see several oyster reefs and observe first-hand how many species of fish and small invertebrates call the man-made reef home. I also participated in a biodiversity count with bags of oysters from the reef. Many of the species we counted were microscopic organisms and small invertebrates. I am so thankful I had the opportunity to apply what I learned in class into a hands-on activity.
About the Author, Nicole Castilla:
Nicole Castilla is a marine biologist, ocean conservationist, and writer who is passionate about marine science and storytelling through the art of writing. As an enthusiastic biologist, she is involved with sea turtle rehabilitation and rescue efforts at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, a non-profit sea turtle hospital and eco-tourist destination in Juno Beach, Florida. She also loves to write articles in which she educates others about current issues related to marine conservation and climate change. After graduating from college, her passion for protecting the environment grew even greater. This led her to enroll in the Florida Master Naturalist Program through the University of Florida and she is currently working toward becoming a certified Master Naturalist in the sunshine state. In her spare time, Nicole enjoys photography, traveling, and exploring new coffee shops. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in English from Palm Beach Atlantic University in 2021 and is happy to combine those two passions of science and writing into her career.
Connect with Nicole: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-castilla-b-s-779197185/
