Enhanced Production of Finfish and Large Crustaceans by Bivalve Reefs

Abstract

Several bivalve families include species that occur in sufficient densities to modify the environment and create structured biogenic habitat. These habitats have also suffered among the highest losses of any marine habitat globally. In the case of bivalve reefs, the physical structure provided by the shells, supplied with biodeposits produced from filter feeding, supports a high density of macroinvertebrate prey, as well as providing shelter for many juvenile fish. This combination leads to enhanced fish production when compared to the unstructured sediment; the habitat type which typically replaces bivalve reefs when they are destroyed. Measuring the densities of juvenile fish and crustaceans on oyster reefs, and at unstructured control sites provides a measure of the net increase in juvenile fish and large crustaceans supported by oyster habitat. Applying growth and mortality schedules from fishery stock assessment literature allows an estimate of the increased lifetime production of juveniles by oyster reef habitats. Species may also benefit from oyster reefs at later life history stages, but these potential benefits have not been included in the current estimates of production. Services such as increased fish production have been used to highlight the range of stakeholders, in addition to the oyster fishers, that benefit from oyster habitat. The broader constituent base for bivalve habitats includes groups such as recreational anglers and commercial fishers as well as the industries that support them. Engaging with these stakeholders through quantifying the benefits of bivalve habitats to fisheries has proven an invaluable asset in promoting bivalve habitat restoration globally, as well as in drawing more funding into restoration efforts. Furthermore, quantifying fish production introduces the potential to include habitats such as those produced by bivalves in Ecosystem-based Fisheries Management.