Ecological Succession on Restored Intertidal Oyster Habitat in the Tidal Creeks of Coastal Georgia

Abstract

ABSTRACT Microhabitat availability resulting from spatial complexity on oyster reef allows niche overlap and enhances benthic-pelagic coupling within a localized area; however, in Georgia, little is known regarding the temporal succession patterns of resident species on constructed reef. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the development and relative habitat value of man-made oyster habitat by monitoring oyster growth and the colonization by structurally important and resident oyster reef community species. Sixteen sampling units of commercial spat sticks in densities of 81/m2 were deployed prior to the oyster reproductive season during April 2004. Two sampling units were extracted every 3 mo starting July 2004 and assessed for biomass; oyster shell height and growth rate; oyster, barnacle, and mussel density per 0.01 m2; and species and phyla richness. Maximum oyster growth rate (0.39 mm/day) occurred during January 2005, with mean oyster shell height peaking at 83.56 ± 1.31 mm by May 2005. Oyst...