Oysters and Urban Pollution

Eating oysters from New York harbor reveals the tragic history of pollution, as these natural filters once thrived but now struggle against heavy metals and sewage. The loss of oysters not only impacts marine ecosystems but also diminishes natural coastal protections, highlighting the significant ecological changes in the city. Despite some oysters clinging to survival in places like the Gowanus, their decline serves as a stark reminder of what has been lost.