Mississippi’s oyster population has been devastated over the past two decades, due to both natural and manmade disasters, but ninth-grader Demi Johnson is helping turn the tide. Recognized by the National Geographic Society, she’s grown 1,000+ oysters, each with the potential to spawn millions more—a huge win for marine ecosystems!
“I think the coolest thing I’ve learned is that oysters actually serve as a filter in the water. I did not know that. And they actually can serve as a home to over 300 species in the water,” said Johnson.
The next generation isn’t waiting to make a difference. They’re doing it now.
Oysters are crucial to marine ecosystems, acting as both filter feeders, improving water quality, and habitat creators, providing shelter and food for various species. oyster reefs can serve as barriers to storms and tides, protect shorelines from erosion and protecting productive estuary waters.
Want to know more, more, more about Oysters? To watch the 2023 film A Passion for Oysters, click on A Passion for Oysters (2023) – YouTube or cut and paste the link into your browser.
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