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OYSTER REEF RESTORATION: IMPACTS ON INFAUNAL COMMUNITIES IN A SHALLOW WATER ESTUARY
Title
OYSTER REEF RESTORATION: IMPACTS ON INFAUNAL COMMUNITIES IN A SHALLOW WATER ESTUARY.
Creator
Harris, Katherine P, Walters, Linda J., University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Oyster reefs are important estuarine ecosystems that provide habitat to many species including threatened and endangered wading birds and commercially important fishes and crabs. Infaunal organisms (i.e. small, aquatic animals that burrow in the sediment) are also supported by oyster reef habitats. Infaunal organisms are critical to marine food webs and are consumed by many important species that inhabit coastal estuaries. However, over the past century 85% of shellfish reef habitats have...
Show moreOyster reefs are important estuarine ecosystems that provide habitat to many species including threatened and endangered wading birds and commercially important fishes and crabs. Infaunal organisms (i.e. small, aquatic animals that burrow in the sediment) are also supported by oyster reef habitats. Infaunal organisms are critical to marine food webs and are consumed by many important species that inhabit coastal estuaries. However, over the past century 85% of shellfish reef habitats have been lost, making restoration of these areas vital. Due to their important role in coastal food webs, infauna is hypothesized to be a strong indicator of habitat productivity to document the transition from a dead to a restored and living intertidal oyster reef. Research was conducted in Mosquito Lagoon of the northern Indian River Lagoon system. Three replicate samples were collected from 12 intertidal oyster reefs (four dead, four live, four restored). Samples were collected one-week pre-restoration and one month and six months post-restoration. Infauna was counted and sorted into six taxonomic categories: polychaetes, amphipods, isopods, gastropods, bivalves, and decapods. Reef infaunal abundance increased following restoration: restored reefs became more similar to live reefs one month following restoration. Six months after restoration restored reefs were also significantly different than dead reefs. Live reefs consistently had high infaunal abundance and dead reefs consistently had low abundance, while restored reefs were intermediate. These data suggest restored reefs are more productive than their dead counterparts, with restoration showing a positive trajectory to impact numerous infaunal species and their associated food webs.
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Date Issued
2018
Identifier
CFH2000366, ucf:45851
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000366
INVESTIGATING THE QUANTITY AND TYPES OF MICROPLASTICS IN THE ORGANIC TISSUE OF OYSTERS AND CRABS IN THE INDIAN RIVER LAGOON
Title
INVESTIGATING THE QUANTITY AND TYPES OF MICROPLASTICS IN THE ORGANIC TISSUE OF OYSTERS AND CRABS IN THE INDIAN RIVER LAGOON.
Creator
Waite, Heidi, Walters, Linda J., University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Microplastics are widespread and abundant. Few studies have examined the diversity and abundance of microplastics in wild organisms. This study determined the microplastic quantity and types in the organic tissues of the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica and Atlantic mud crab Panopeus herbstii from the Indian River Lagoon (IRL). This study also investigated whether location affected the microplastic abundance and variety. Organisms were collected from three sites across Mosquito Lagoon in...
Show moreMicroplastics are widespread and abundant. Few studies have examined the diversity and abundance of microplastics in wild organisms. This study determined the microplastic quantity and types in the organic tissues of the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica and Atlantic mud crab Panopeus herbstii from the Indian River Lagoon (IRL). This study also investigated whether location affected the microplastic abundance and variety. Organisms were collected from three sites across Mosquito Lagoon in the northern IRL. Oysters were frozen after collection. Crabs were placed in containers for 5 days before freezing. The soft organic tissue was chemically digested using hydrogen peroxide, filtered, and examined for microplastics. Water samples collected from each study site had an average of 23.1 microplastic pieces per liter and fibers were the most common type. There was a significant interaction for microplastic type and site for both oysters and crabs (p
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Date Issued
2017
Identifier
CFH2000157, ucf:46042
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000157
THE ECOLOGY OF DRIFT ALGAE IN THE INDIAN RIVER LAGOON, FLORIDA
Title
THE ECOLOGY OF DRIFT ALGAE IN THE INDIAN RIVER LAGOON, FLORIDA.
Creator
Liss, Julie Lynnae, Walters, Linda J., University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
To gain an understanding of the ecology of drift algae in the Indian River Lagoon system along the east coast of central Florida, four questions were addressed: 1) What is the composition and rate of accumulation of drift? 2) How much movement and turnover occurs within drift accumulations? 3) Do growth rates differ for drift versus attached algae? 4) Is there a difference in photosynthetic performance in drift versus attached algal species? Manipulative field and laboratory experiments were...
Show moreTo gain an understanding of the ecology of drift algae in the Indian River Lagoon system along the east coast of central Florida, four questions were addressed: 1) What is the composition and rate of accumulation of drift? 2) How much movement and turnover occurs within drift accumulations? 3) Do growth rates differ for drift versus attached algae? 4) Is there a difference in photosynthetic performance in drift versus attached algal species? Manipulative field and laboratory experiments were conducted to address these questions with the green macroalga Codium decorticatum and the red macroalga Gracilaria tikvahiae. Changes in pigment concentration and biomass were used as indicators of acclimation from an attached to drift state in Gracilaria tikvahiae and Codium decorticatum. Short-term physiological changes as demonstrated by electron transport rate (ETR) were also used as indications of acclimation from an attached to drift state in C. decorticatum. Composition and rate of accumulation of drift varied by season. While both transport and turnover of drift occurred, turnover within drift accumulations occurred at low rates and was significantly lower in the spring during decreased flow rates. There were no significant differences in growth or pigment concentrations in drift versus attached G. tikvahiae or C. decorticatum. In addition, there were no apparent physiological acclimations to a drift state in C. decorticatum.
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Date Issued
2004
Identifier
CFE0000112, ucf:46198
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000112
QUANTIFYING THE SUCCESS OF EASTERN OYSTER PILOT REEFS IN BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA
Title
QUANTIFYING THE SUCCESS OF EASTERN OYSTER PILOT REEFS IN BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA.
Creator
Anderson, Lacie, Walters, Linda J., University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Crassostrea virginica, the eastern oyster, is a native keystone species that inhabits many coastal and estuarine ecosystems along the Atlantic seaboard. Introduction of the eastern oyster into estuarine areas with limited current populations is gaining popularity as a pro-active approach to improve estuarine water quality. In November 2014 and April 2015, a total of five pilot oyster reef treatments were deployed in Brevard County: bagged adult oysters (grown by community members under their...
Show moreCrassostrea virginica, the eastern oyster, is a native keystone species that inhabits many coastal and estuarine ecosystems along the Atlantic seaboard. Introduction of the eastern oyster into estuarine areas with limited current populations is gaining popularity as a pro-active approach to improve estuarine water quality. In November 2014 and April 2015, a total of five pilot oyster reef treatments were deployed in Brevard County: bagged adult oysters (grown by community members under their docks through oyster gardening) collected in fall 2014 and spring 2015, bagged clean shell, oyster restoration mats, and empty plots (control). Locations of deployment included a Merritt Island impoundment (Marsh Harbor), Nicol Park (Port St. John), and Scout Island (Melbourne Beach). Prior to deployment, we collected morphometric data (shell length, weight) on all gardened oysters. Abiotic factors including salinity, air and water temperature, and wind speed were collected monthly. During quarterly sampling at each site, morphometric data were collected for all live oysters, surviving and newly recruited. Results show survival of gardened oysters and natural recruitment differed by and depended greatly on the within-site location of each reef. In areas with no recruitment and limited gardened oyster survival, regular deployment of gardened oysters is needed for long term success. In areas with natural recruitment, bagged, clean shell or oyster restoration mats are most successful. Future restoration sites should be tested prior to any large-scale oyster deployments.
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Date Issued
2016
Identifier
CFH2000059, ucf:45557
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000059
DETERMINING FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE SMOOTH CORDGRASS (SPARTINA ALTERNIFLORA LOISEL) TRANSPLANT SUCCESS IN COMMUNITY-BASED LIVING SHORELINE PROJECTS
Title
DETERMINING FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE SMOOTH CORDGRASS (SPARTINA ALTERNIFLORA LOISEL) TRANSPLANT SUCCESS IN COMMUNITY-BASED LIVING SHORELINE PROJECTS.
Creator
Carrion, Steven A, Walters, Linda J., University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Efforts to mitigate shoreline erosion through living shoreline methods along the USA Atlantic seaboard have often incorporated the cultivation and transplantation of smooth cordgrass, Spartina alterniflora. Assessments of these transplants at several sites in the Indian River Lagoon have shown that survival is variable after a year (survival: 10-93%). Lower survival has been attributed to environmental variables such as dislodgement by wave energy, and transplant shock due to salinity changes...
Show moreEfforts to mitigate shoreline erosion through living shoreline methods along the USA Atlantic seaboard have often incorporated the cultivation and transplantation of smooth cordgrass, Spartina alterniflora. Assessments of these transplants at several sites in the Indian River Lagoon have shown that survival is variable after a year (survival: 10-93%). Lower survival has been attributed to environmental variables such as dislodgement by wave energy, and transplant shock due to salinity changes from cultivation to estuarine conditions. To improve living shoreline projects, we examined the effects of cultivation salinity (0 ppt, 15ppt) on transplantation success, and the success of anchoring plants to biodegradable mats (Jute mesh, 5 individuals per 50 cm2) and utilizing oyster bags as breakwaters in facilitating reestablishment of new transplants. Spartina alterniflora individuals were grown under salinity treatments for 20 weeks; plants grown in 15 ppt produced new shoots with significantly greater heights than those grown in freshwater. The plants were then transplanted to two sites in the IRL, and monitored after four weeks. After four weeks there was a greater net increase in stem density and larger decrease in plant height for plants grown in 15 ppt. Jute-mesh mats and oyster bags did not impact growth or survival of transplants. Low-saline (15 ppt) conditions increased shoot growth of the project by 50% in four weeks at a cost of 30 cents per additional shoot produced by an individual. Longer-term monitoring will determine if benefits persist or decrease over time, and if the cost is justified by the benefits.
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Date Issued
2016
Identifier
CFH2000068, ucf:45538
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000068
RECRUITMENT AND RESTORATION OF THE OYSTER CRASSOSTREA VIRGINICA IN AREAS WITH INTENSE BOATING ACTIVITY IN MOSQUITO LAGOON, FLORIDA
Title
RECRUITMENT AND RESTORATION OF THE OYSTER CRASSOSTREA VIRGINICA IN AREAS WITH INTENSE BOATING ACTIVITY IN MOSQUITO LAGOON, FLORIDA.
Creator
Wall, Lisa Michele, Walters PhD, Linda J., University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Productivity, diversity and survival of estuaries are threatened by explosive coastal population growth and associated recreational activities. One major area of recreational growth has been the number of small pleasure craft motoring in shallow waters at high speeds. On the east coast of Central Florida in the Indian River Lagoon system, intense boating activity occurs year-round and intertidal reefs of the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica with dead margins (piles of disarticulated...
Show moreProductivity, diversity and survival of estuaries are threatened by explosive coastal population growth and associated recreational activities. One major area of recreational growth has been the number of small pleasure craft motoring in shallow waters at high speeds. On the east coast of Central Florida in the Indian River Lagoon system, intense boating activity occurs year-round and intertidal reefs of the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica with dead margins (piles of disarticulated shells) on their seaward edges are commonly found adjacent to major boating channels. The cause(s) of the dead margins is unclear. However, the disarticulated shells may be reducing reef sustainability if these surfaces are unavailable for larvae. Recruitment trials were run on eight reefs (4 with dead margins, 4 without) in three 8-week trials in 2001/2002. Significant differences were found for location on reef and season. For survival of recruits, significant differences were found for reef type, location on reef, and season. Sediment loads, percent silt/clay, and relative water motion were all found to be significantly higher on impacted reefs. Spring months were found to be the optimal time for larval recruitment to increase larval set and survival and to also decrease the effects of sedimentation and water motion. Based on these results, experimental restoration began May 2003 to develop an ecologically and economically feasible restoration protocol for this intertidal region. Four different densities of shells (0, 16, 25, 36) were attached to vexar mesh mats (45 X 45 cm) displaying shells perpendicular to the substrate. 360 mats were randomly deployed at one of six identified optimum recruitment locations. Recruitment increased through June and was significantly higher on mats with 36 shells. This was followed by a large, expected decline in recruitment and survival in July/August, due to competition, predation and/or extreme high temperatures. Total live oysters on the restoration mats significantly increased during October 2003 through February 2003. These newly-created oyster reefs are moveable and provide optimal substrate and larval set to be transported post-recruitment to areas resource managers have slated for restoration to aid in reef sustainability. To determine the potential negative effects of flow and sediment levels on oyster larval settlement, which may be associated with an increase in boating actitivity, laboratory experiments were conducted. Eighteen trials, with competent oyster larvae, nine in flowing-water and nine in still-water were run at three sediment levels: no sediment, low sediment, and high sediment loads. Larval settlement was significantly higher in the still-water trials and both high and low sediment loads significantly reduced larval settlement.
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Date Issued
2004
Identifier
CFE0000113, ucf:46181
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000113