The geographical coverage of Oyster Sentinel is shown on the map of the Gulf of Mexico. Displays show station information, water temperature and salinity, and disease prevalence and intensity of juvenile- and commercial-sized oysters. Disease hotspots, where significant oyster mortalities are likely, are highlighted in red. Yellow indicates disease levels that are of concern, whereas green represents infections that are unlikely to result in oyster mortalities.

Knowledge of disease intensity can be used to manage oyster crops. For example, heavily-infected populations of oysters can be harvested and marketed before they are killed by disease or transplanted to low-salinity leases where they have a greater chance of survival.