Historically, oysters have been an important part of the Bay's ecology as well as its economy. Oysters feed by filtering sediment and algae from the water collumn.

They are found in water depth ranging from 8 to 35 feet, in both brackish and salt water. Oyster young (larvae) are free swimming and must attach themselves to solid substrate in order to mature. At this time the young are called spat.

Because they are attached to the bottom, oysters are susceptable to being smothered by sediment. Oyster populations have also been suffereing from the diseases MSX and Dermo. Recent studies indicate that these diseases are more widespread than ever, but less oysters are dying. They may be establishing some resistance to these diseases.

The Choptank River was once an important oyster fishery where oyster beds were protected from poaching by armed guards.

Maryland's oyster population has been steadily declining due to a variety of factors including:

1. loss of habitat
2. disease
3. sedimentation
4. lack of oxygen
5. over harvest

Maryland Oyster Harvest