What the Shell Happened to the Oysters?
In the early 1900’s Oregon was lined with prolific wild oyster populations. After the gold rush, the West Coast saw a rise in hydraulic mining, paper mills and human population which created a concentration in coastal water pollutants and killing off wild reefs. The surviving oysters were not under tight wildlife regulation and people got greedy, harvesting them until the populations zeroed out.
In the past 50 years, there have been a handful of organized oyster rebuilding efforts – now more than ever – but despite attempts to re-establish the populations, the changing ocean conditions are making the oyster’s destiny dark.
Bivalves are filter feeders, cleaning up to 50 gallons of water a day, making them a vital part of keeping waterways naturally clean. It’s our goal to build a network of volunteers and funds to support the efforts to restore natural habitats for wild oysters. One sponsor, one event, and boot stomp at a time.
Our first conservation event is a Panel with scientists, oyster farmers, environmental activists, environmental non governmental agency’s (ENGO’s), Native American tribe representatives, and culinary professionals to engage in a conversation about the changing ocean conditions, what we can do to help.
Join us on Tuesday, February 6 at Ecotrust to start the conversation.
The event is free. Oysters included. Donations accepted.
-Shuck Portland