Oyster Reefs Species Overview

The oyster is a bivalve mollusk that lives and filter feeds the coastal waters of the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Louisiana is known for having incredible oyster fisheries and was part of the beginning of commercial seafood industry in the area. Oyster reefs are formed by the living oysters growing on top of old shells until eventually a mound is formed. This creates an area for bait and crustaceans to live in an around, which in turn creates a place for game fish to feed. Redfish, speckled trout, flounder and many more inshore fish species live and feed around these natural structures.

The LDWF takes an active role in making sure these beneficial oyster beds remain healthy and proliferate. Oyster hatcheries are very good at manipulating the delicate balances required to hatch baby oysters and grow them to a size where they can be released back into the wild to seed and replenish existing oyster beds. Hard substrate is placed in artificial reef locations to create a base for new life to grow.