A Survey of Native Oyster Beds (Ostrea edulis) in Wales dataset https://portal.medin.org.uk/portal/start.php?tpc=007_NRW_DS101779 The native flat oyster Ostrea edulis is a UK and Welsh Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species, for which a UK action plan exists. Native oysters have a long history of over-exploitation in Wales and elsewhere in the UK. Oyster fisheries around Wales declined during the early 1900's due to intense exploitation, possibly combined with disease and poor recruitment. Significant oyster beds are now restricted to only a few locations. The remaining oyster population in Wales are under threat through increased fishery effort in the existing oyster fishery and from diversification of fishing activities in the fisheries. The purpose of this data capture was to gather data on the distribution and abundance of oysters in locations known to currently support native oyster beds; and, to collect samples of oysters for age analysis and to gather data on the marine biodiversity associated with oyster beds. This dataset also helps towards a further understanding of the ecology of native oysters as well as informing management decisions (part of the UK and Welsh Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). 20030430