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Oyster, native (Ostrea edulis)

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Common name - Oyster, native
Scientific name - Ostrea edulis
Rating
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Farmed
Production method Bottom culture
Production country UK
Production area All
Summary
Biology
The native or flat oyster is a filter feeding, bivalve mollusc. Initially it begins life as a male, after reaching maturity (about 3 years old) it spawns, then changes into a female. In Britain, breeding normally takes place in the summer. The average reproductive size for the oyster is about 5 cm. Oysters can reach a shell length of up to 11cm, and occur in variable shapes.
Production Information
The common technique for harvesting the native oyster is by the laying down of "cultch", usually of clean shell, in the oyster harvesting area as close as possible to the spawning date. This acts a substrate on which the spat can settle, and subsequently grow on. There is a closed season for native oysters from 14 May to 4 August (1 May to 31 October in Sussex Sea Fisheries District) during their spawning season.
Alternatives
(Based on method of production, fish type, and consumer rating: only fish rated 3 and below are included.)
Read what the consumer pages of the Good Fish Guide say about this species.