-September 30,2023-
Los Osos resident and PG&E forecaster John Lindsey posts this week that oyster farming may be helping to improve the health of the Morro Bay Estuary.
“It is impressive to see thriving commercial oyster farming in Morro Bay! “
According to the Morro Bay National Estuary Program “State of the Bay|2023” report, “Morro Bay is fortunate to be one of the few areas on the California coast with our own source of local oysters. The Morro Bay Oyster Company and Grassy Bar Oyster Company grow Pacific oysters in the bay’s waters for sale in markets and restaurants. There are approximately 73 acres available for oyster farming, which is only 3% of the bay’s total acreage. The aquaculture industry depends on clean water, and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is responsible for determining if the water quality in the bay is suitable for growing oysters.”
Lindsey adds “I have a personal hypothesis that suggests oysters, as filter feeders, play a role in enhancing water clarity. This, in turn, benefits seagrass beds by allowing more sunlight to penetrate the water column, thereby facilitating increased photosynthesis. As a result, the proliferation of seagrass directly contributes to the well-being of Black Brant geese and many other species.”
