The World of Water (WOW) charity recently received a fascinating donation: two oyster shells (Ostrea edulis) collected from Caldey Island in 1959 by Auriel Davies. These shells (image above) offer a tangible link to a once-thriving Welsh oyster industry and highlight the charity’s commitment to water education and research.

Caldey Island: An Oyster Haven

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the waters around Caldey Island, Wales, were renowned for their abundant and high-quality oysters. Historical records from as early as 1803 describe the “incomparable Oyster Fishery” off Caldey’s shores. The oysters were famed for their enormous size, often needing to be cut into pieces before eating. John Evans, writing in 1804, noted that Caldey oysters were “of a size very far superior to any of those that are brought, in common to the metropolis.” Some specimens measured up to 19 inches in circumference! (Further reading: Gathering Oysters)

The Rise and Fall of Welsh Oyster Beds

The Welsh oyster trade flourished throughout the 19th century:

• Tenby and Caldey oysters were prized for their size and flavor.
• Milford Haven oysters, especially from the Crow Pool area, were praised for their superior taste.
• The Mumbles Oyster Fishery employed up to 400 men and 60-80 boats during peak season in the 1840s.
• Pickled oysters from various Welsh coastal towns were exported widely, prized in markets like Bristol, Bath, and London.

However, by the late 1800s, the Welsh oyster populations were in steep decline due to overfishing, pollution, changing environmental conditions and a parasitic disease caused by the parasite Bonamia ostreae.

By the time Auriel collected these shells in 1959, the once-thriving Caldey oyster beds were already a shadow of their former glory.

World of Water: Preserving Aquatic Heritage

The World of Water charity is committed to advancing education and promoting research on water-related topics. The donation of these Caldey Island oyster shells aligns perfectly with WOW’s mission to establish and maintain an International Water Awareness Centre.

Thank you Auriel. These oyster shells will serve as valuable educational tools along with those from Loch Creran, Loch Fyne and Ise Bay, Toba (Mikimoto),  helping WOW teach about:

• Historical fishing practices and coastal economies
• The importance of sustainable fisheries management
• The role of oysters in marine ecosystems
• Environmental changes affecting our coasts over time

Looking to the Future

While Caldey’s historic oyster beds may be gone, there is hope for the future as organizations like NORA are working to restore native oyster populations. These efforts aim not only to bring back a lost delicacy but also to restore important marine habitats.

The World of Water charity plays a crucial role in educating the public about such initiatives and the broader importance of water conservation and management.

Please Support Our Work

WOW relies on donations like Auriel’s to build its collection and support its educational and research initiatives. If you have items related to water history or marine life that you’d like to contribute, please contact us. Your support helps us continue our vital work in water education and conservation. (See our Collections Policy).

By preserving and studying such artifacts , we can better understand our past and work towards a more sustainable future for our marine environments. The World of Water charity serves as a bridge between this rich history and the ongoing efforts to protect and manage our precious water resources.