Increasing knowledge to restore oyster beds and related services in the Arabian-Persian Gulf

Abstract

The historical collapse of the pearl oyster ecosystem in the Arabian-Persian Gulf contributed to the long-term loss of biological and economic functionality within key shallow-water marine environments. This study introduces important aspects for supporting the restoration of this iconic ecosystem. For instance, resident standing stocks in the southwestern ecoregion would be ideal for an aquaculture initiative; juveniles might be collected after the summer; lower regional salinity (42ppt) might increase the animal sizes in an aquaculture basis; shallow areas near seagrasses might be ideal coastal areas for reintroduction; vertical hard substrates (e.g. artificial reefs) might be used for juvenile’s reintroduction. The results suggest that Pinctada radiata is and was the dominant habitat enhancer within the historical and present ecosystem complexes of the studied Gulf and should be considered a priority species for restoration due to its habitat remediation service. Restoring the filtration functionality of these oyster seascapes and the associated recovery of the trophic chain could also support the rejuvenation of accompanying seascapes within the studied Gulf, such as coral reefs, seagrasses, and the associated fish stock. Illustrating how the southwestern Arabian-Persian Gulf coast presents a unique opportunity to restore and manage an iconic habitat and historical natural asset.