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In this episode, we explore the world of oysters. What are they? What do they do? What happens when they die?
Eastern oysters play a critical role in Florida’s estuarine habitats, supporting hundreds of species big and small. Learn all about oysters and how you can support them in this episode.

Learn More:
• Eastern Oyster - https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/eastern-oyster

• Eastern Oyster Biology - ⁠ https://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/mollusc/eastern-oysters/biology/

• Oyster Reef Habitat - https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/habitat-conservation/oyster-reef-habitat

How You Can Help:
• Consider installing a vertical
oyster garden off your dock, or paint one to hang as décor in your home as a
talking point for family and friends. Reach out to your local Florida Sea Grant Agent to find out if you have VOG efforts in your county.  
• Keep eating oysters! By consuming
oysters, you are supporting the oyster industry and the restoration efforts
throughout Florida utilizing recycling oyster shell for living shoreline
projects and more!
Sources for this Episode:
• TBEP Oyster Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) - https://tampabay.wateratlas.usf.edu/oyster-habitat-suitability/

• Historical ecology with real numbers: past and
present extent and biomass of an imperiled estuarine habitat - http://www.oyster-restoration.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/zuErmgassen_etal_historical_ecology_2012.pdf


•What is a bivalve mollusk? https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/bivalve.html

• Oyster Shell
Recycling Pilot Program - ⁠⁠ https://pinellas.gov/programs/oyster-shell-recycling-pilot-program/

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here!
If you're active on iNaturalist, consider joining our iNaturalist project, Naturally Florida's Listener Observations, here: ⁠⁠https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/naturally-florida-s-listener-observations⁠

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