How to Dive for Oysters

Oyster diving has become a popular hobby for those SCUBA divers who aren't content to just look at the fish. Instead, on an oyster dive, these folks can grab a souvenir from the ocean floor with an added bonus--they can eat it when they get home. Read on to learn how to dive for oysters.

Things You'll Need

• Cold-water SCUBA diving gear
• Sturdy diving bag
• Cooler

Instructions

1. Get into your SCUBA gear. Oyster beds are usually about 10 to 15 feet underwater so you don't want the hassle of coming to the surface for air. This will give you a better chance to get more oysters.

2. Take a sturdy bag with you underwater. Get one that's specially designed to hold oysters or other mollusks.

3. Dive underwater and grab handfuls of oysters from the bed. You won't have much time so don't be picky. Just put everything into your bag.

4. Get the oysters to the surface and sort through your catch. Toss overboard any oysters that are too small along with any other creatures that may have come to the surface in your bag.

5. Put the oysters you're keeping in your cooler. Bring one that's easily transportable since this is what you'll take your oysters home in.

Tips & Warnings

• Be prepared for cold water. Oyster dives in the middle of the winter are common so take along all of your cold-water SCUBA gear.

• Visibility on an oyster dive can range from 15 feet to arm's length. Know how to dive correctly and be familiar with all your SCUBA equipment before you go oyster diving. Remember to always take a partner underwater and leave one person behind to man the boat.

• Don't expect to find any pearls in the oysters you find in a dive. Edible oysters aren't capable of making pearls while those that do aren't commonly eaten.

• Don't try to go it alone if you've never been on an oyster dive before. Instead sign up for a guided dive. Instructors will take you out to the oyster beds and man the boat while you harvest the oysters.

Resources

• Join East Coast Diver LLC for an Oyster Dive on Chesapeake Bay