Estuaries

Louisiana’s estuaries, fed by the nutrient-rich Mississippi and Atchafalaya Rivers, make up the seventh largest estuary in the world.

Oysters grow in abundance in the brackish waters of Louisiana and can be found naturally on reefs. Louisiana has nine major watershed outlets in the Gulf of Mexico. The flavor of the oyster relies on the perfect balance of fresh water flowing in from these inlets and the deliciously salty waters of the Gulf of Mexico that roll over the reef with the daily tide.

Louisiana estuaries: Pearl, Pontchartrain, Barataria, Terrebonne, Atchafalaya, Vermillion, Mermentau, Calcaseu, Sabine

Foundation for a healthy estuary

Louisiana has one of the most prolific oyster resources in the nation, arguably one of the state’s largest and most valuable natural resources. Oyster reefs provide untold benefits to the region.

Source: NOAA Fisheries

Habitat for Other Species

Oyster reefs provide important habitat for recreational and commercial fish like speckled trout, bass, flounder and drum, nursery habitat for fish, crabs and shrimp, and shelter from predators.

Water Quality

Oysters make the water healthier. Because oysters are natural filter feeders, they help purify and improve water that is overloaded with nutrients by filtering algae from the water. A single oyster filters up to 50 gallons per day.

Storm Protection

Oyster reefs help protect coastal communities from waves, floods, and tides. Healthy reefs and established vegetation protect valuable habitat, reduce wave energy preventing erosion, and fortify wetlands as a barrier.

Oyster Traller

Public and private oyster grounds

In Louisiana, there are approx. 404,000 acres of private oyster leases. The state maintains approx. 1.7 million acres of public oyster reefs.

Louisiana’s oyster industry has historically used public oyster areas as a source of seed oysters (less than 3 inches shell height) to transplant to private oyster leases and grow out to market-size. Louisiana leads the nation in oyster production largely due to this public/private oyster production system. Annual dockside sales have reached as much as $84 million in recent years.

Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries)

Oyster Traller

Public and private oyster grounds

In Louisiana, there are approx. 404,000 acres of private oyster leases. The state maintains approx. 1.7 million acres of public oyster reefs.

Louisiana’s oyster industry has historically used public oyster areas as a source of seed oysters (less than 3 inches shell height) to transplant to private oyster leases and grow out to market-size. Louisiana leads the nation in oyster production largely due to this public/private oyster production system. Annual dockside sales have reached as much as $84 million in recent years.

Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries)

Protecting our estuaries

Louisiana’s commercial oyster industry has long been among the most active advocates for saving and restoring Louisiana’s coast. In fact, one could argue that Louisiana oyster farmers were the first organized environmentalists. We have fought for clean waters and against man-made and natural disasters of our estuaries.

For decades, the oyster industry has invested millions out of our own pockets to raise coastal water bottoms by using the resource itself to build cultch and protect against storm surge or sea level rise.

This practice of building up water bottoms continues to this day.

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