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Oyster Reef Restoration Project
Background In Fall and Winter 2001-2002, a dredging project was conducted in the canal of DeBordieu Colony. The pipe used to move dredge material from the creek to the disposal site inadvertently damaged an oyster reef in a portion of the canal.
Methods Since very little natural recovery or recruitment occurred by Fall 2002, a restoration project was initiated. The DeBordieu Community Association (DCA) partnered with the Baruch Marine Field Lab and the North Inlet-Winyah Bay NERR to monitor recruitment of oysters and restore the damaged area. In May 2003, the DCA purchased wooden stakes to serve as settling substrate for oyster larvae. A team of volunteers and staff members set the stakes out in the mud of the former reef. The stake method had been shown to encourage recruitment in a nearby estuary. Half of the stakes were coated in cement, and half were left untreated to see if oysters recruit better on treated or untreated stakes.
Results (Click here to read the full results of the project) The level of oyster settlement between cemented and non-cemented stakes was quantified in January 2005 by counting individual oysters on each stake. To count oysters without damaging the beds, a wooden plank was placed across the beds to rest on an “H-type” brace upon which the researchers could sit. There was a large difference in oyster settlement between cemented and non-cemented stakes. The number of oysters that settled on cemented stakes ranged from zero to 29 and 36.7% of all cemented stakes had oysters. The number of oysters that settled on non-cemented stakes ranged from zero to four. Only 0.41% of non-cemented stakes had oysters. Overall, the oyster bed has regained much of its original coverage and seems to be progressing well. Photo plots have been designated to monitor oyster recruitment over the long-term and to provide updates to the local community involved in the restoration project.
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North Inlet-Winyah Bay NERR Mail: PO Box 1630, Georgetown, SC 29442 Ship: Hobcaw Barony, Hwy 17N, Georgetown, SC 29440 T: 843.546.6219 F: 843.546.1632 |
