Positive Relationship between Freshwater Inflow and Oyster Abundance in Galveston Bay,Texas |
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| Authors: | David Buzan Wen Lee Jan Culbertson Nathan Kuhn Lance Robinson |
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| Institution: | (1) PBS&J, 6504 Bridge Point Parkway, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78730, USA;(2) Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744, USA;(3) Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Dickinson Marine Lab, 1502 FM 517 East, Dickinson, TX 77539, USA |
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| Abstract: | Analysis of fisheries-independent data for Galveston Bay, Texas, USA, since 1985 shows eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) frequently demonstrate increased abundance of market-sized oysters 1 to 2 years after years with increased freshwater inflow
and decreased salinity. These analyses are compared to Turner’s (Estuaries and Coasts 29:345–352, 2006) study using 3-year running averages of oyster commercial harvest since 1950 in Galveston Bay. Turner’s results indicated
an inverse relationship between freshwater inflow and commercial harvest with low harvest during years of high inflow and
increased harvest during low flow years. Oyster populations may experience mass mortalities during extended periods of high
inflow when low salinities are sustained. Conversely, oyster populations may be decimated during prolonged episodes of low
flow when conditions favor oyster predators, parasites, and diseases with higher salinity optima. Turner’s (Estuaries and
Coasts 29:345–352, 2006) analysis was motivated by a proposed project in a basin with abundant freshwater where the goal of the project was to substantially
increase freshwater flow to the estuary in order to increase oyster harvest. We have the opposite concern that oysters will
be harmed by projects that reduce flow, increase salinity, and increase the duration of higher salinity periods in a basin
with increasing demand for limited freshwater. Turner’s study and our analysis reflect different aspects of the complex, important
relationships between freshwater inflow, salinity, and oysters. |
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