Manhattan's shores were once the largest source of oysters worldwide, but overharvesting and development long ago depleted that population—and most likely contributed to the current state of the local rivers. Now, NY/NJ Baykeeper is trying to bring oysters back to keep the water clean. Each bivalve can filter algae, plankton and pollution out of 50 gallons of water a day, and volunteer "farmers" have been setting up oyster beds everywhere from the Long Island Sound to the Gowanus Canal. Perhaps they could send a batch to the Gulf?
Robert Ferraro cares for 600 oysters in the Long Island Sound off Pelham Park, and told the Daily News, "All sorts of wildlife are coming back, and I'd like to see it get even better." And fourth graders at downtown private school Friends Seminary are taking care of 500 oysters in the East River. Teacher Ben Horner said, "It's authentic science." By the way, none of these oysters are edible, so don't think of hiking down to the water and picking yourself a snack. For that you'll have to shell out $1.75 apiece at the Mermaid Oyster Bar.
