Oysters: Unsung heroes in a changing climate

Oysters provide multiple ecological services that combat climate change, including sequestering carbon in their shells and protecting coastal carbon sinks like mangroves and seagrasses by acting as natural breakwaters. They improve ocean health by filtering up to 50 gallons of water daily, which enhances the ocean's overall capacity to absorb CO2. Additionally, oyster reefs support biodiversity by creating marine habitats and offer a low-impact, nutritious protein source that does not require external feed or pollute the environment.

• Oysters improve water quality by filtering phytoplankton and organic matter, which increases the ocean's ability to sequester carbon.
• Oyster reefs serve as natural buffers that protect coastal ecosystems—such as marshes, mangroves, and seagrasses—which are significant carbon sinks, from storm surges and erosion.
• Oysters sequester carbon from the atmosphere by extracting carbon ions from seawater to build their shells through calcification, with a single oyster capable of processing 50 gallons of water per day.
• Oysters provide a sustainable, low-impact protein source because they do not require additional food or nutrients to grow and actually clean the water in which they are farmed.

APA

WWF International (n.d.). Oysters: Unsung heroes in a changing climate. https://www.worldwildlife.org/resources/explainers/wildlife-climate-heroes/oysters-unsung-heroes-in-a-changing-climate/

Chicago

WWF International. Oysters: Unsung heroes in a changing climate. n.d. https://www.worldwildlife.org/resources/explainers/wildlife-climate-heroes/oysters-unsung-heroes-in-a-changing-climate/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=WWF International |title=Oysters: Unsung heroes in a changing climate |url=https://www.worldwildlife.org/resources/explainers/wildlife-climate-heroes/oysters-unsung-heroes-in-a-changing-climate/ |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{wwfinternationalndoysters, author = {{WWF International}}, title = {{Oysters: Unsung heroes in a changing climate}}, institution = {WWF International}, url = {https://www.worldwildlife.org/resources/explainers/wildlife-climate-heroes/oysters-unsung-heroes-in-a-changing-climate/}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }