Dock Assessment Information

Oysters are filter feeders, which means they filter tiny particles, such as phytoplankton and detritus, out of the water as they feed. As they feed, they also remove excess nutrients from the water, which can help improve water quality. When it comes to filtering saltwater, oysters use specialized cells called "chloride cells" to remove the excess salt from the water they filter. These cells are located in the gills of the oyster, and they work by actively pumping sodium and chloride ions out of the gill cavity and into the surrounding seawater. This process helps the oyster maintain the proper balance of electrolytes in its body, and it also helps to keep the surrounding water clean and healthy.

It is estimated that a single oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day. Some sources even estimate that a single oyster can filter up to 150 gallons of water per day under optimal conditions. Our vertical oyster gardens consist of anywhere from 15-25 individual oysters. Assuming 50 gallons per oyster per day, 1 VOG board with 10 VOGs on it could filter anywhere from 5,000-15,000 gallons of saltwater every day. 

There are several reasons why you might want to use oysters to filter saltwater, including the following:

1. Oysters are effective at removing excess nutrients from the water. By filtering out these nutrients, oysters can help to improve water quality and reduce the risk of harmful algal blooms.
   
2. Oysters help to maintain a healthy balance of electrolytes in the water. As they filter the water, oysters remove excess salt and other minerals, which can help to keep the water healthy and support the growth of other marine life.
3. Oysters are a natural and sustainable solution for improving water quality. Unlike man-made filtration systems, oysters require no electricity or other inputs, and they can be easily grown and harvested.
   

Overall, using oysters to filter saltwater can have a number of benefits for the health of the water and the surrounding ecosystem.