Oysters: Kidneys of the Oceanby Sadia Jahan Rothi | 13-04-2023 02:46 |
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 Oysters: Kidneys of the Ocean What comes to your mind if you think of oysters? Anyone will probably picture a plate of oysters decorated with mint and lemon. But have you ever thought that oysters play a huge role in keeping the oceans clean?? We picture them as seafood, but they have many talents that help the coastal ecosystems in many ways that are beyond our imagination. Oysters are multi-talented marine warriors. But its population collapse has transformed the oceans. 85% of oyster beds and reef habitats have been lost throughout the whole world which makes them the world's most endangered marine habitat. Oysters play a big role in reducing pollution from the sea. They not only prevent erosion but also help other sea life to flourish. Besides, they remove pollutants and release cleaner water, sending the pollutants to the seafloor and thus improves the water quality. Nitrogen and phosphorus get into the ocean from industrial activities and oysters help to remove these chemicals. Clearer water lets in more sunlight. Meanwhile, the deposition of oyster faeces creates a nutrient-rich seafloor and helps more seagrass and plants grow on the seabed, encouraging life there. According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a single oyster is like a pool pump that can filter 50 gallons (227 liters) of water a day. If the amount is multiplied by the millions of oysters of ocean, they become the kidneys of ocean and capable of filtering the waterbody within a matter of days. But they are being driven to annihilation by overfishing and pollution. When they will disappear, so will the sea life be which needs them. So, it is our responsibility to protect the marine warrior.
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