Scientists and community volunteers are engaged in monitoring oyster populations throughout the oyster's range in order to better understand current population status, which is needed to inform restoration and education efforts. Basic (or fundamental) research into many aspects of Olympia oysters (Ostrea lurida) is also being carried out by undergraduate and graduate students, professional researchers, community scientists and restoration practitioners. Although significantly less is known about Olympias compared with eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) and Japanese oysters (Crassostrea gigas), the body of knowledge about this oyster is growing.