IntroductionBy now, Pride II has made her way from Baltimore, down the Chesapeake Bay, down the Atlantic coast, through the Panama Canal, and across the Pacific Ocean all the way to Asia! Amazingly enough, and as far away as we are, we still have things in common with the other side of the world. One of our common links is the importance of fisheries in Maryland and in all parts of Asia. Fisheries are any species that we harvest from the waters around us. One fishery that has been very important in Maryland's history, culture, and economics is the Eastern oyster.If Pride of Baltimore had sailed up the Chesapeake Bay two hundred years ago oyster "beds," or "bars," (oysters like to live in communities just like you do!) would have been hazards to boats sailing on the Bay (just like an iceberg was to the Titanic). They often rose up above the water in those days. Today they are flattened, benthic (or bottom) communities lying quietly out of the sight of most of us. Take a look at the photos of the baskets that harvested oysters have always been taken to market in after being plucked from the Chesapeake Bay by the watermen (fishermen) aboard historic skipjack sailing vessels. These sights may become a thing of the past very soon. In Asia, the Pacific oyster has been a very important fishery. In fact, there are some people and organizations that feel that we should bring Pacific oysters to the Chesapeake Bay to live and grow since the Eastern (or American) oysters are not doing well these days. In this lesson we will learn about both oysters and you will examine the benefits and possible dangers of bringing the oyster from Asia to the Chesapeake Bay. You will be able to voice your opinion about bringing the Pacific oyster to the Bay. Before you can form an opinion you need to know about the topic, right? Click on the "Ahead" button below to learn about the incredible, edible oyster! |
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