Oyster reefs have been identified as essential fish habitat for resident and transient species. Many organisms found on oyster reefs, including shrimp, crabs, and small fishes, find shelter and food on the reef and in turn provide food for transient species that frequent oyster reefs. The objective of this study was to determine trophic transfer on oyster reefs in a subtropical environment using stable isotope compositions. Water, sediment, particulate organic matter, various crustaceans, fishes, as well as oysters were collected at 2 sites in Estero Bay, Florida, during the wet and dry seasons, and processed for δ 13 C and δ 15 N stable isotope analyses. Differences in freshwater input (salinity) resulted in differences in carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios. Overall, fish and shrimp are secondary consumers, with crabs and oysters as primary consumers, and organic matter sources at the lowest trophic level. Results of the study further demonstrate that reef-resident organisms consume other organisms found on the reef and/or primary producers and detrital organic matter on the reef. Transient fish species come to the reef to feed on the reefresident species.
KEY WORDS: Oysters · Crassostrea virginica · Carbon and nitrogen isotopes · Trophic transfer · EstuariesResale or republication not permitted without written consent of the publisher
Artificial reefs are constructed to provide several important ecosystem services to coastal communities and fisheries around the world, and their deployment results in significant socio-ecological and economic effects. To understand these effects, this document gives an overview of the agencies and people involved in the use of artificial reefs, how the implementation of these reefs influences their perception, and what issues are associated with their deployment. This document also specifically describes the process by which most artificial reefs are implemented in Florida. While there is extensive research on ecological aspects of artificial reefs and reef fish, there is a need for more research on the effects of the implementation of artificial reefs on humans and the coastal communities and how their respective experiences and perceptions influence artificial reef and fisheries management actions and involvement.
The seafood industry in Florida is complex, with more than 80 varieties of Florida seafood commodities and an increasing number of imported products. This variety increases consumer confusion, especially with the growing concern about the origin, sustainability, and safety of seafood products. The objective of the Florida Seafood At Your Fingertips program is to provide Florida Extension agents with updated, science-based information regarding seafood, which will result in increased consumer awareness and consumption. Combining a survey instrument, curriculum modules, public displays, and a mobile application with the teaching expertise of Extension has allowed this program to reach consumers throughout Florida.
Increasingly, coastal managers are placing artificial reefs in marine waters. These long-lasting habitat alterations have measurable effects on fish, fishers, divers, fisheries, and marine social ecological systems. Understanding how artificial reefs function is necessary to make good decisions about future artificial reefs. Scientific research on many aspects of artificial reefs is not always summarized and explained. In response to this need, we designed a 4-part series called Artificial Reefs 101. This publication, part 4 of the Artificial Reefs series, explores a complicated but fascinating aspect of artificial reefs—should we expect them to lead to better fishing in the long run? Many people think artificial reefs should be a “win-win” since both fish and fishers seem to like them. But it is increasingly apparent that they are likely to increase fishing mortality more than they increase fish populations. So they could lead to more restrictive regulations.
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