Community oyster gardens could be Long Island’s solution to improve the region’s polluted water quality.

The Town of Oyster Bay plans to increase the number of oyster gardens in several places, like Laurel Hollow. Officials say the reason to expand is environmental.

Oysters act as natural filters. They feed on contaminants in the water. Oysters can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day.

State Senator Jim Gaughran demonstrated how it works by placing oysters in tanks filled with murky water. The tanks became clearer in just hours.

“They have a lot of village residents involved, and they have their own oyster farming cages in effect that actually work towards cleaning up the harbor.”

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