Impacts of Oyster Reef Restoration on Primary Productivity and Nutrient Dynamics in Tidal Creeks of the North Central Gulf of Mexico |
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| Authors: | Rochelle Plutchak Kelly Major Just Cebrian C Drew Foster Mary-Elizabeth C Miller Andrea Anton Kate L Sheehan Jr" target="_blank">Kenneth L HeckJr Sean P Powers |
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| Institution: | (1) Dauphin Island Sea Lab, 101 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528, USA;(2) Department of Marine Sciences, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA;(3) Department of Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA;(4) Present address: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA |
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| Abstract: | The ability of oysters to remove large quantities of particulates from the water column, thereby potentially improving water
quality, has been cited as one of the reasons for oyster reef restoration. However, this ability has not yet been effectively
demonstrated in the field. As part of the Alabama Oyster Reef Restoration Project, this study was designed to assess impacts
of restored eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) reefs on primary production, nutrient dynamics, and water quality in shallow tidal creeks. Using a Before–After-Control–Impact
(BACI) design, we monitored tidal creeks around Dauphin Island, AL, for changes induced by the introduction of oyster reefs.
Reef placement resulted in increased ammonium (NH4+) in two of the three experimental creeks. Interestingly, oyster reefs did not seem to reduce water column particulates or
have an impact on phytoplankton or microphytobenthic biomass or productivity. We do not believe that our data discount the
importance and/or usefulness of oysters in modifying the water column. Rather, we acknowledge that it is difficult to detect
these impacts/environmental services in this type of system (i.e., a tidal creek system), because they seem to be very localized
and short-lived (i.e., not ecologically relevant on a creek-wide scale). This study highlights the need to consider location
and habitat in planning oyster restoration projects. Also, it demonstrates that the types, magnitudes, and spatial extent
of changes in ecosystem services that should be expected after reef restoration might need to be re-evaluated. |
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