Long Island Looks to Oysters As a Natural Way To Improve Water Quality

By Joe McQueen with WSHU

Originally published in WSHU

Community oyster gardens could be Long Island’s solution to improve the region’s polluted water quality.

The Town of Oyster Bay plans to increase the number of oyster gardens in several places, like Laurel Hollow. Officials say the reason to expand is environmental.

Oysters act as natural filters. They feed on contaminants in the water. Oysters can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day.

State Senator Jim Gaughran demonstrated how it works by placing oysters in tanks filled with murky water. The tanks became clearer in just hours.

To view the full story, click here: