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While vacationing at Hilton Head Island this day trip took us to Harbortown. The scenery of the low country is spectacular but the oyster beds and reefs are truly fascinating.

Intertidal oysters occur in all of South Carolina's estuarine areas. Typically in South Carolina, a number of sounds, bays and river mouths are connected by an intricate system of creeks and rivers separated by extensive saltwater marsh. Oysters occur along most of these creeks and riverbanks and on exposed mud flats.
Oysters reach a harvestable size in South Carolina at an age of about three years. Shapes of intertidal oysters are varied. The ultimate shape of the shell depends upon growing conditions.

The most common intertidal growth is that which produces oyster clusters. These are formed by successive sets, one upon another. Each oyster in a cluster is used by succeeding generations. The cluster continues to grow as each new set occurs. Sometimes clusters reach a foot or more in thickness. The added weight of additional individuals tends to push the lowermost oysters into the mud where they eventually suffocate. Only the outermost oysters remain alive. Harvesters are encouraged to cull-in-place, that is, to break apart clusters while harvesting, thereby leaving smaller oysters in place for future growth. Harvesting is done by hand at low tide.
Intertidal oysters are also found in groups known as oyster reefs. Oyster reefs are formed by oysters growing on a firm foundation of dead shells. Successive sets occur, joining clusters together to form a continuous group. The intricate, three-dimensional nature of oyster reefs provides extensive habitat for numerous marine species. Mud crabs, shrimps, juvenile fishes and other organisms have been observed to seek shelter in reefs from predators as the tide rises. Loose oyster shell on creek bottoms serves as hard clam habitat as well as substrate for sponges, sea fans, and whip corals which, in turn, supply habitat for small crustaceans and fishes.