Found from Alaska to Baja California, Mexico, the Olympia is the only oyster species native to the west coast of North America. They are described as having a unique and coppery taste unlike any other oyster. Their significance extends beyond taste, however, and more on their ability to impact the environment. The Olympia, previously abundant in the San Francisco Bay, has nearly vanished as a result of acute environmental disregard and excessive consumption. 

The Olympia displays unique characteristics not seen in those typically served in restaurants. It is relatively small, ranging from 6 to 8 cm in length once fully grown, and features a round, thin shell, flatter than most oysters found around the globe. As a filter feeder, Olympias are able to withdraw calcium carbonate from the ocean water, allowing themselves to generate and maintain their shell for the coming years of their lives.

The Olympia Oyster thrives when attached to something harder such as other oyster shells or rocks, rather than being buried under sediment. This enables them to begin receiving nutrients from the ocean as they filter, feeding on plankton and microscopic algae. A singular Olympia Oyster can filter up to 12 gallons of water daily (Peabody & Peter-Contesse, 2005). As one can imagine, a thriving population is able to filter substantial amounts continually. This filtration supports other native species, such as eelgrass, allowing more photosynthesis to occur as the sun rays reach farther down in the water.

Their shells demonstrate a variety of uses: California Least Terns use oyster shells to line their nests. Furthermore, as the oysters bond and grow, they form rocky reefs. These reefs help protect shorelines from erosion, waves, and storms, which is becoming increasingly salient with the challenge of climate change. They serve as vital habitats for aquatic animals such as crabs, octopus, fish, sea anemones, mussels, and barnacles. Additionally, these reefs act as nurseries for other aquatic species, such as herring, flounder, speckled trout, and rock crabs.

However, these reefs take years to naturally form, and unsustainable harvesting practices such as dredging easily destroy them. According to the Orange County Coastkeeper, 85% of oyster reefs have been lost globally.

For thousands of years, the Olympia Oyster acted as a critical shelter, endorsed aquatic ecosystems, and sustained biodiversity, in addition to being an important food source for native Californians. It was not until the Gold Rush, and the following decades through the 1900s, that Olympia Oysters became a rarity along the West Coast. The species have faced various threats, including expansion along the coast, wetland damage, and immense pollution. In addition to these challenges, the habitats where Olympias would typically be found have been occupied by non-native species such as sponges, tubeworms, and tunicates.

In light of this decline, Ronald Wiggins, who grew up in Berkeley during the 1940s and 50s and has lived in the East Bay for the past 87 years, recalled the state of the Richmond Bridge during his childhood. 

“It really was stinky," Wiggins said. "It was full of old tires and stuff. And when it was really bad, it was when the tide went out. The water kind of covered up the stench.”

However, in recent years there has been increased recognition of the urgency of restoring Olympia and introducing the species back into parts of the West Coast where they were once plentiful. Active conservation efforts can be seen in the San Francisco Bay, Netarts Bay, Oregon, and Puget Sound, Washington. The Living Shorelines Project from Orange County Coastkeeper and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife are notable initiatives.

These restoration efforts mainly consist of creating artificial reefs, using old oyster shells, typically from Pacific Oysters, in bags and clusters, creating a place for the Olympia larvae to attach to and grow. While monitoring one of these artificial reefs in San Rafael, from 2007 to 2011, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife found that at maximum settlement, it was estimated that the population of Native oysters in the reef was above half a million.

It is conspicuous that while conditions and population are not at their ideal level, there are initiatives in place by local communities, and organizations that promote the steady rebuilding of crucial species for coastal ecosystems. As Ronald Wiggins notes, “There was more pollution in the bay then there is now.” The Bay has seen drastic improvements since the end of the 1960s when environmental laws were established. However, there is no doubt that there is still much to be done to repair the San Francisco Bay and the West Coast alike. Therefore, it is crucial that initiatives are being implemented by local communities and organizations to restore Olympia Oysters, which are necessary for a sustainable recovery and future. Recent UCLA graduate, Sarah Wiggins demands change stating, “The world is our oyster, so let’s take care of them!”