You may not first think oysters to be sustainable superstars, but the fact is that they are actually one of the most environmentally friendly kinds of seafood out there. So, if you want to create a better diet for yourself and the environment, you might want to check oysters out in further detail. Read on to learn why this type of seafood has made such a mark on our ecosystem so far!
Oysters Create Reef Systems
Oysters create natural reefs when they grow up in the wild. Oyster reefs can stop coastlines from being as vulnerable to storm surge erosion and damage whilst also offering a safe habitat for over two hundred other species to grow.
Oyster Shells Capture Carbon Dioxide
Oysters can actually act as small carbon sinks since their shells capture carbon dioxide in water and hold it. Too much carbon dioxide in our oceans can cause them to be too acidic, making it more difficult for shellfish to grow shells. However, oysters aren’t impacted by rising carbon dioxide levels, so they are able to utilize it as a component in their shells.
Oysters Can Be An Ethical Source Of Protein
Commercial farming of oysters in nature reserves can be relatively sustainable. After all, farmed oysters are one of the world’s most sustainable protein sources since they do not impact wild stock populations.
Oysters Are A Filter
Oysters can filter seawater, helping oceans stay in balance. Oysters are salt-water bivalve molluscs since they are part of the bivalve family. Because of this, they are efficient at filtering dirty seawater, and they play a crucial role in preserving the balance of seawater so other animal species can exist and thrive.
Oysters Extract Nitrogen From Waterways
Oysters can extract nitrogen from waterways, incorporating it into their tissue and shells. While some nitrogen is necessary for water, there is sometimes too much. This is triggered by fertilizer runoff, which can reduce oxygen levels in the water and make it more challenging for marine species to survive.
It is apparent that education is vital in our journey towards sustainability. You may not have known that oysters are sustainable, but with the proper research and knowledge, you can approach your diet differently. Companies may be able to benefit from selling sustainable foods like oysters. Since consumers are constantly looking for environmentally friendly products to invest in, food companies can now take advantage of the knowledge of the sustainability surrounding oysters. It is evident that any individual can make a difference in our ecosystem. By making the right food choices and opting for sustainably sourced foods over less sustainable ones, people have the power to act kinder to our planet.
