Abstract
Across the globe, discussions centered on the value of nature drive many conservation and restoration decisions. As a result, justification for management activities increasingly asks for two lines of evidence: (1) biological proof of augmented ecosystem function or service, and (2) monetary valuation of these services. For oyster reefs, which have seen significant global declines and increasing restoration work, the need to provide both biological and monetary evidence of reef services on a local-level has become more critical in a time of declining resources. Here, we quantified species biomass and potential commercial value of nekton collected from restored oyster (Crassostrea virginica) reefs in coastal Louisiana over a 3-year period, providing multiple snapshots of biomass support over time. Overall, and with little change over time, fish and invertebrate biomass is 212% greater at restored oyster reefs than mud-bottom, or 0.12 kg m−2. The additional biomass of commercial species is equivalent to an increase of local fisheries value by 226%, or $0.09 m−2. Understanding the ecosystem value of restoration projects, and how they interact with regional management priorities, is critical to inform local decision-making and provide testable predictions. Quantitative estimates of potential commercial fisheries enhancement by oyster reef restoration such as this one can be used directly by local managers to determine the expected return on investment.
Highlights
Millions of people depend on oysters and the reefs they build for income and livelihood (Kirby, 2004)
While oysters are valued as a fishery commodity, they provide important ecosystem services, including water quality improvement, shoreline protection, and invertebrate and fish habitat (Breitburg et al, 2000; Cressman et al, 2003; Coen et al, 2007; La Peyre et al, 2014)
Recent work on the role of fringing oyster reefs in shoreline protection suggests reefs may contribute to reduced shoreline retreat rates during high energy storm events (La Peyre et al, 2014)
Summary
Millions of people depend on oysters and the reefs they build for income and livelihood (Kirby, 2004). While oysters are valued as a fishery commodity, they provide important ecosystem services, including water quality improvement, shoreline protection, and invertebrate and fish habitat (Breitburg et al, 2000; Cressman et al, 2003; Coen et al, 2007; La Peyre et al, 2014). How to cite this article Humphries and La Peyre (2015), Oyster reef restoration supports increased nekton biomass and potential commercial fishery value. General consensus is that understanding the potential role of oyster reefs in enhancing invertebrate and fish habitat requires improving our predictive capacity, and better understanding local context (Lenihan & Peterson, 1998; Lenihan, 1999; Grabowski et al, 2005)
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