The Chesapeake Bay teems with life, and is home to a rich array of creatures from across the branches of the evolutionary tree.

One of the crucial contributors to the bay's ecosystem is the oyster. The Chesapeake Bay’s oyster population plummeted in the later half of the 20th century…but there are recent hopeful signs the bay’s oysters are making a comeback.

Here to talk about all things oysters is Imani Black, an oyster farmer who is pursuing a Master's degree at University of Maryland's Center for Environmental Science at Horn Point Laboratory. She is also the CEO and founder of Minorities in Aquaculture—an advocacy group dedicated to increasing diversity in the cultivation and study of marine life.

We ask Imani about recent good news for the region's oysters, diversity within her industry and her connection the bay's waters.

Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Contact On the Record at: Senior Supervising Producer, Maureen Harvie she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472