By 1911, native Olympia oyster beds were gone from the San Francisco Bay due to overconsumption during and after the Gold Rush. Before that, it was estimated that there were half a million oysters PER ACRE covering the bottom of the bay. It blows my mind that people could eat that many in a few decades.
In the past year, a restoration effort in the bay has allowed 2 million of the native oysters to inhabit man-made reefs, including one right next to where I grew up near the San Mateo bridge. Although these oysters will not be used for eating, since there is still too much pollution in the bay, they could help reduce wave action and protect the shoreline during storms. More birds, fish and crab have been seen near the reefs. Oysters are also very beneficial for their ability to filter out excess nitrogen and pollutants, and lead to cleaner water.
http://www.sfgate.com/science/article/2-million-oysters-in-bay-begin-restoration-effort-4984300.php
In the past year, a restoration effort in the bay has allowed 2 million of the native oysters to inhabit man-made reefs, including one right next to where I grew up near the San Mateo bridge. Although these oysters will not be used for eating, since there is still too much pollution in the bay, they could help reduce wave action and protect the shoreline during storms. More birds, fish and crab have been seen near the reefs. Oysters are also very beneficial for their ability to filter out excess nitrogen and pollutants, and lead to cleaner water.
http://www.sfgate.com/science/article/2-million-oysters-in-bay-begin-restoration-effort-4984300.php