Recent Declines in Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) Reefs in the Indian River Lagoon, FL
Walters L, Grizzle R, Abgrall M. Recent Declines in Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) Reefs in the Indian River Lagoon, FL. Dept of Biology, Univ of Central Florida. Orlando, FL
The potential decline of eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) was studied by submerging two frames at each of 10 study sties on reefs in the Indian River Lagoon, FL. Between 1943 and 1995 oyster reefs adjacent to major boating channels decreased in overall areas and developed dead margins. The most exposed portions of each reef had signifcantly greater flow, sediment loads and recruitment. Protected areas on each reef had significantly hgiher temperatures and juvenile survival. Competition with barnacles was intense during the study, likely contributing to low survival.
- Type
- Unpublished Report
- Authors
- Walters, Linda; Grizzle, Ray; Abgrall, Marie-Josee
- Publisher
- Dept of Biology, Univ of Central Florida
- Units
- CANA
- Keywords
- Fauna, Indian River Lagoon FL, Oyster reefs