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Oysters

(Worldwide, Farmed)

Rating:
Farmed oysters account for 95 percent of the world's total oyster consumption. Most oyster farming operations are very well managed and produce a sustainable product.

Market Names:
American Oyster, Blue Points Oyster, Common Oyster, Kaki

Consumer Notes:
Farmed oysters are available year-round and can be served raw, smoked, canned or frozen. Oysters are known as kaki when prepared for sushi.

Summary:
Like clams, mussels and scallops, oysters are filter-feeding shellfish that are extremely well-suited to aquaculture. Farming oysters brings little risk of pollution or escapees, and habitat effects from the farms are minimal.

Unlike some farmed fish, oysters minimally impact marine resources as they don't rely on wild-caught fish - in the form of fishmeal or fish oil - for food. And, thanks to the oyster's filter-feeding action, oyster farms can actually benefit the surrounding coastal waters.

With their low habitat impacts, farmed oysters are a "Best Choice."

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