Evaluating Intertidal Oyster Reef Development in South Carolina Using Associated Faunal Indicators

In situ habitat clearance rates and particle size preference of indigenous Olympia oysters (Ostrea lurida) and non-native Pacific oysters (Magallana gigas) in North American Pacific coast estuaries

The Olympia oyster, Ostrea lurida, is the target of many restoration projects along estuaries on the North American Pacific coast, while the non-native Pacific oyster, Magallana gigas, dominates oyster aquaculture globally. Both species provide filtration functions that were investigated in three California bays using a whole-habitat, in situ approach, a laboratory particle selection experiment, and a regional physiological comparison. Measurements of chlorophyll α, temperature, salinity, and turbidity upstream and downstream, as well as point samples of seston total particulate matter and organic content to estimate habitat clearance rates (HCR, L hr-1 m-2) were collected. From February 2018 to June 2019, twenty-two trials were conducted across four sites. HCRs were highly variable within and among sites, ranging from site averages of -464 to 166 L hr-1 m-2, and not significantly different among sites, indicating field filtration performance of O. lurida habitat and M. gigas aquaculture is similar. Using a random forest regression, site was the most important predictor of HCR, with a variable importance score of 25.7 % (SD = 4.6 %). O. lurida and M. gigas had significantly different particle size selection preferences, likely affecting the quality of their filtration. This study's findings suggest that restoring O. lurida habitat may provide similar filtration benefits as M. gigas aquaculture, but the unique hydrodynamics and food quality of individual bays, as well as regional differences in filter feeder communities, must be considered in managing oyster habitat for filtration functions.