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I recently read the book Big Oyster by Mark Kulansky and it is full of interesting history and trivia about oysters and the New York City area. Couple highligh

I recently read the book Big Oyster by Mark Kulansky and it is full of interesting history and trivia about oysters and the New York City area. Couple highlights: - Despite a very poor "nutrient to harvest cost" ratio, humans have been eating oysters for thousands of years - Oyster shells were piled up by Native Americans. These piles were never more than a certain distance from the shore (I believe something like 60 ft). In addition, the shells at the bottom of these piles were usually larger than at the top implying that over harvesting led to smaller oysters both then and now - Despite different sizes, shapes etc all oysters on the eastern seaboard of the United States are all the same species The book is full of great lines too e.g. "New York is not a city that plans; it creates situations and then deals with them"

chucksta 4y ago
I was on a tour in the Chesapeake bay, they said in the 1800s, they used to have to break up oyster beds because ships could beach on them, now (~10 years ago, hopefully it changed) they can't get a single one to grow there.
- ethbr0 4y ago
  Chesapeake oysters are one of the great success stories of marine species restoration: https://e360.yale.edu/features/a-remarkable-recovery-for-the-oysters-of-chesapeake-bay https://e360.yale.edu/features/a-remarkable-recovery-for-the... Circa ~2005, they began seeding modified oysters that were more resistant to the pathogens decimating the natural population. Through a managed reintroduction and harvesting program, they've begun to gradually heal the bay and continue to expand the footprint of oysters. Better ecosystems through science, indeed!
  - formerkrogemp 4y ago
    Where I'm from, I've not seen a native shellfish in quite some time. Corbicula fluminea, aka "Asian clam," has been the only clam we've been seeing the past few years. We've been to a few state parks and hatchery tours where they're attempting to grow more native shellfish and reintroduce them. I hope they succeed.
  - susiecambria 4y ago
    Oysterland | A Dalstrong Film © https://youtu.be/ZBYcJ3b4CaA https://youtu.be/ZBYcJ3b4CaA also talks about environmental improvements benefiting oysters and how oysters are also part of the solution. And, it's a beautiful film. > In our latest feature film, we dive deeper into the story of the Rappahannock Oyster Co., speaking with cousins Ryan and Travis Croxton to learn how they're revolutionizing the shellfish industry in the Chesapeake Bay. With research and innovation, they helped transform the regional oyster population from nearly endangered to the beating heart of a thriving ecosystem.
formerkrogemp 4y ago
> The book is full of great lines too e.g. "New York is not a city that plans; it creates situations and then deals with them" This sounds like a good line to describe America in miniature.

chucksta 4y ago

I was on a tour in the Chesapeake bay, they said in the 1800s, they used to have to break up oyster beds because ships could beach on them, now (~10 years ago, hopefully it changed) they can't get a single one to grow there.

ethbr0 4y ago
Chesapeake oysters are one of the great success stories of marine species restoration: https://e360.yale.edu/features/a-remarkable-recovery-for-the-oysters-of-chesapeake-bay https://e360.yale.edu/features/a-remarkable-recovery-for-the... Circa ~2005, they began seeding modified oysters that were more resistant to the pathogens decimating the natural population. Through a managed reintroduction and harvesting program, they've begun to gradually heal the bay and continue to expand the footprint of oysters. Better ecosystems through science, indeed!
- formerkrogemp 4y ago
  Where I'm from, I've not seen a native shellfish in quite some time. Corbicula fluminea, aka "Asian clam," has been the only clam we've been seeing the past few years. We've been to a few state parks and hatchery tours where they're attempting to grow more native shellfish and reintroduce them. I hope they succeed.
- susiecambria 4y ago
  Oysterland | A Dalstrong Film © https://youtu.be/ZBYcJ3b4CaA https://youtu.be/ZBYcJ3b4CaA also talks about environmental improvements benefiting oysters and how oysters are also part of the solution. And, it's a beautiful film. > In our latest feature film, we dive deeper into the story of the Rappahannock Oyster Co., speaking with cousins Ryan and Travis Croxton to learn how they're revolutionizing the shellfish industry in the Chesapeake Bay. With research and innovation, they helped transform the regional oyster population from nearly endangered to the beating heart of a thriving ecosystem.

formerkrogemp 4y ago

> The book is full of great lines too e.g. "New York is not a city that plans; it creates situations and then deals with them" This sounds like a good line to describe America in miniature.