Oysters are often thought of as a popular food dish, or associated with the lucky find of a pearl. Often overlooked is that a single oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water a day, and is an important part of a healthy water system.
Tidewater Oyster Gardeners Association has been working to promote the environmental health of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries through oyster cultivation and other means since its establishment in 1997. The group’s main goal is to educate citizens in oyster aquaculture methods. Through TOGA, members can learn how to grow oysters, and use the materials, devices and vendors for doing so.
TOGA vice president Terry Lewis offered his own oyster-growing set-up as an example, as he and president Carl Zulick gave an in-depth look into the organization and oyster cultivation process.
Growing oysters begins with spat—oyster larvae—which are kept in grow bags. “Usually when I get oysters, I get small ones, they’re only about this big,” said Lewis, gesturing ...