They're remarkably good at surviving out of the water. The Romans used to ship them surprisingly long distances in barrels.

Ooh, now talking of Romans! I suggested to Pen a while back that we should have a Roman theme for the dinner at Camp this year. We could have some oysters then! That would be extremely Roman.

ETA: Although July is exactly the wrong time of year for oysters. But if people would generally prefer them cooked, maybe we could get frozen ones. Hmm...