Oysters Are Ecological Heroes

The anti-science attitude of many in our culture is causing us to reject something God has given us to combat pollution, global warming, and food shortages. That thing is the amazing common oyster. Most of us know that oysters are a culinary treat. Their salty flavor and slippery texture make them a major player in seafood restaurants, but oysters are ecological heroes as well.

Oceans absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Oysters pull the carbon out of the seawater and use it to make their shells. Sea Grant researchers determined that if Americans replaced 10% of their beef consumption with oysters, the greenhouse gas emissions would be equivalent to keeping 11 million cars off the road.

In addition to the environmental benefits, oysters provide healthy diets as well. They are packed with protein, zinc, B-12, omega-3 fatty acids, and a number of trace elements. They are easy to grow and do not require feed, fresh water, or fertilizer. Oysters eat by pumping water through their bodies, filtering out algae and trace elements while improving water quality and preventing algal blooms. A single oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day.

People in Scotland are making oyster beds because pollution and disease wiped out the local reefs. Once oyster beds are established, they help reefs replenish and provide habitat for anemones, barnacles, and mussels that feed commercially valuable fish. It is estimated that 85% of the world’s oyster beds have disappeared in the last 100 years.

Once again, humans have destroyed the gift God has given us. People must realize that oysters are ecological heroes and take steps to restore this great resource.

— John N. Clayton © 2025
Reference: World Wildlife magazine winter 2024