Using Reclaimed Oyster Shell to Restore Subtidal Reef Habitat in South Texas

Oysters are an important ecological and economic resource.  They provide essential fish habitat, clean bay waters, and support a valued fishery.  Yet, oyster reefs are the most threatened marine habitat on earth, with 85% lost globally in recent decades.  Though efforts to restore oyster habitat have increased, more effective methods of quantifying restoration success are needed.  The traditional measure of success, “footprint” or acreage, means nothing if the reef is not functioning to provide the ecosystem services, or benefits, associated with oyster reefs.  This summer, over 1600 cubic yards of oyster shell collected from local restaurants was used to restore nearly 4 acres of oyster reef habitat in Copano Bay, Texas.  In order to maximize available resources, we designed a 3-dimensional reef complex with eight reef mounds of high vertical relief.  We hypothesize that these structurally complex, high-relief reefs will be less subject to sedimentation, support higher oyster densities, and support larger fish populations, and thus, will be more successful in providing the important ecosystem services associated with oyster reef habitat.  We will monitor the restored reef for two years to assess ecological function and the provision of several ecosystem services.  A quantitative model will be developed that will serve as a  tool for guiding restoration projects and increasing understanding of structural and functional properties and processes of oyster reef habitat, and the ecosystem services they provide.