Oysters live in salty or brackish waters on all U.S. coasts, clustering on older shells, rock, piers, or any hard, submerged surface. They fuse together as they grow, forming rock-like reefs that provide habitat for other marine animals and plants.

Where are most oysters found?

Among the most popular and heavily harvested species are the eastern American oyster (Crassostrea virginica), found in Atlantic waters from Canada to Argentina, and the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas), found from Japan to Washington state and as far south as Australia.

Where are oysters found in the US?

In the US, oysters grow in blooms of millions at a time on the coasts of Washington, California, Alabama, Maine, and others. The diversity found in US waters gives other famous oyster countries, like France, a run for its money.