A recent wide-ranging study done by researchers from the Natural Conservancy and the University of California have compared past and present populations of oysters and concluded that nearly 90% of the oyster population has decreased from many locations around the world. The study published in BioScience magazine, also noted that even the remaining reefs of these mollusks are not healthy.
Oyster reefs were studied in 144 bays and 44 ecoregions as well as comparing historical records as well as yearly catch statistics to conclude that nearly 85% to 90% of the oysters have depleted in regions were they used to thrive. Researchers conclude that overharvesting and disease are the main two causes of the decline.
Oysters while providing food for people also serve as a natural water filter for many of the world's ecosystems.
Discuss in your groups what solutions could be implemented to allow these populations to recover (if they can) and WHY these solutions would work.
Article can be read in full at http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/02/03/oysters-vanishing-oceans-worldwide-report-says/
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