Oysters

Oysters prefer brackish and salty water. A salinity range between 10-28 parts per thousand (ppt) provides the best conditions for oysters. Oysters can die if salinity drops below 5 ppt for extended periods of time.

A number of factors have contributed to the decline in the Chesapeake Bay’s oyster population, including over-harvesting, disease (like MSX and Dermo), sedimentation and poor water quality.