There are very few wild flat oysters around anymore. They have become rare due to disease and competition with the Pacific oyster. The oyster shells on the beach are usually remnants from very old animals, dead already for many years. The shell has a rather regular shape, in contrast to the Pacific oyster which can have all kinds of sharp protrusions. The flat oyster is edible. For some people it is only a slimy bunch of salt but, according to oyster-lovers, it is the most delicious thing ever.