Improve your sex life, save the bay

They say oysters are good for you sex life. I don't know if that has been scientifically verified. But this much is true: oysters are filter feeders so estuaries with healthy populations of these crustaceans generally have better water clarity.

Tampa Bay Watch, the area's leading bay advocacy group, has been building oyster shell reefs throughout Tampa Bay. Constructed from old oyster shells, these man made reefs help mimic natural communities, providing habitat for a variety of marine life. Once the old oyster shells are down, live oysters take root, and before you know it, you have a thriving oyster reef.

Until now, Tampa Bay Watch has had to buy old oyster shells, spending money that could be used for other projects such as sea grass restoration. But Bay Watch will be paying for oyster shells no longer. Crabby Bills, the legendary seafood restaurant on Indian Rocks Beach, has agreed to donate its used oyster shells to the environmental organization.

In 2007 alone, Bay Watch volunteers have installed 97 tons of oyster shells around the bay. Crabby Bills produces at least one ton of shells per week at its Indian Rocks location alone. The restaurant will also be selling a recycled green ware cup the proceeds of which benefit other Bay Watch restoration projects.

For more information, go to http://www.tampabaywatch.org/.