Gulf of Mexico showing Apalachicola BayĮastern oysters naturally spawn in Gulf waters. There are two types of oyster species that are largely harvested in the United States, the Eastern oyster ( Crassostrea virginica) and the Pacific oyster ( Crassostrea gigas). The Eastern oyster is native to the Eastern coastline from Newfoundland, Canada down to Panama and parts of northern Colombia, including the Gulf of Mexico. The Pacific oyster originated from Japan but can now be found in parts of East Asia and Australia, and from Southeast Alaska down the west coast to the tip of the Baja peninsula of Mexico. Both species can also be found in the British Isles and the Mediterranean. Without keystone species, the ecosystem would be dramatically different or cease to exist altogether. *A keystone species is a plant or animal that plays a unique and crucial role in the way an ecosystem functions. Oysters are considered a keystone species*, detoxifying their surrounding environment while providing a habitat for fish, shrimp, crabs, and other sea animals. The thick, larger lower shell permanently attaches itself to a hard substrate while the top shell generally has a smaller and flatter appearance. Oysters play a valuable role in the coastline ecosystem. They are filter feeders, filtering the water around them at a rate of 25 gallons per day to feed on single-cell plants. The oyster is a bivalve mollusk, meaning it has two shells held together by a strong muscle. Oyster cultivation began over 2,000 years ago when the Romans harvested them from the Adriatic Sea and eventually, from all over the Mediterranean. Today, they are a popular commodity consumed around the world. The most recent oyster-related recalls occured in 20 due to contamination of multiple pathogens.Between 20, at least 340 oyster-associated outbreaks were reported to CDC’s National Outbreak Reporting System (NORS), causing 3,005 illnesses, 87 hospitalizations, and 3 deaths.These pathogens are associated with foodborne outbreaks and can lead to recalls and harvest site closures. Oysters are filter feeders and may harbor harmful pathogens, such as Vibrio, norovirus, and Hepatitis A in their tissue.To ensure the prevention of foodborne disease outbreaks, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plans must be in place for processing, packaging, and storage of oysters. There are many harvesting and processing techniques.Oysters are among Florida’s top commercial seafood products in terms of dockside value. In addition to being popular culinary delicacies, oysters help protect coastlines, clean water by filtering, and provide a habitat for many other species such as fish, shrimp, and crabs.
In all cases, purchasers of seed are responsible for knowing state requirements and for having the necessary permits for transfers of seed. This list of shellfish seed suppliers was compiled by the Alabama Extension and is based on best available information and is not an endorsement or recommendation of any of the companies.
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