In 1898, Chesapeake Bay was full of oyster, now 99% are gone

The unexpected stumble upon a pair of dentures adorned with an oyster unveils a glimpse into the Chesapeake Bay's vibrant past. Once, these oysters played a crucial role in maintaining water clarity, cleansing it in mere days. Sadly, years of overexploitation and pollution have ravaged their numbers, compromising the bay's water quality. Current efforts are focused on restoring these indispensable natural filters to help revive the ecosystem.

By TOI SCIENCE DESK