Eastern Oyster Reefs at Pinellas Point
The Atlantic eastern oyster can grow to lengths of 6-10" long and
can be found from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to Florida. These
animals prefer brackish water but can be found on any Floridian
coast attached to rocks, other oysters, or artificial substrate.
Eastern oysters represent one of the most important commercial
fisheries in Florida and are ecologically important due to their
high filtration rates and ability to form reefs in areas of
unconsolidated substrate.
Molluscan Fisheries staff at FWRI use PVC arrays (background of
image) to monitor new recruitment of oysters to reefs around
Florida.
Image Credit: FWC
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