Estimating nitrogen removal services of eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) in Mobile Bay, Alabama

Lai, Quan T.; Irwin, Elise R.; Zhang, Yaoqi

doi:10.1016/j.ecolind.2020.106541

Cited by 7 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 43 publications

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“…This “optimum” clearance rate is reduced under suboptimal temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen conditions (Cerco & Noel, 2005). The in situ model derived by Zu Ermgassen et al (2013) has also been used by others to demonstrate nitrogen removal services provided by oysters in the northern Gulf of Mexico (Lai et al, 2020). Data from PBS for abiotic factors affecting CR were identified from literature (Table 1).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Using an ecosystem service model to inform restoration planning: A spatially explicit oyster filtration model for Pensacola Bay, Florida

zu Ermgassen,

Gair,

Jarvis

et al. 2024

Conservat Sci and Prac

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The development of science‐based restoration goals that reflect the primary motivation of stakeholders is a key factor leading to large‐scale, long‐term restoration successes. The ability to predict the potential ecosystem service delivery from restoration can inform the setting of appropriate goals and facilitate the strategic planning of restoration activities. While recovery of the ecosystem services provided by oyster reefs is a regularly cited reason for undertaking restoration, few examples exist where large‐scale oyster habitat restoration plans have been informed using ecosystem service functions. Such an approach is currently being implemented in the Pensacola Bay System, Florida, where a broad coalition of partners and community stakeholders are utilizing a watershed approach to restoring oysters with the aim of restoring oysters for multiple objectives including habitat, ecosystem services, and wild harvest and aquaculture. Through the process of developing a habitat management plan, water filtration was identified as a key ecosystem service by the stakeholders. To support restoration planning we derived a spatially explicit estimate of water filtration services provided by the eastern oyster in the Pensacola Bay system by linking an oyster habitat suitability map to a hydrodynamic‐oyster filtration model. This spatially explicit model allowed us to identify the areas where restored oyster reefs have the potential to provide the greatest increase in filtration service as well as provide spatially explicit estimates of the potential filtration provided by oyster habitat restored. Such information is useful in restoration planning and management and for stakeholder engagement, outreach, and education programs.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Using an ecosystem service model to inform restoration planning: A spatially explicit oyster filtration model for Pensacola Bay, Florida

zu Ermgassen,

Gair,

Jarvis

et al. 2024

Conservat Sci and Prac

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“…Estuarine habitats in particular have suffered extensive habitat losses, including shellfish reefs [2], salt marshes [3], mangrove wetlands [4], and seagrass beds [5]. These habitats provide critical ecological benefits such as refuge and foraging areas for many species, including recreationally and commercially important species [1,6], denitrification and nutrient cycling [7,8], water filtration [9], and carbon sequestration [10]. Coastal wetland habitats also attenuate waves and provide a natural buffer against erosive forces [11][12][13].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Use of Non-Plastic Materials for Oyster Reef and Shoreline Restoration: Understanding What Is Needed and Where the Field Is Headed

et al. 2022

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Oyster and shoreline restoration is occurring around the globe to recover lost ecosystem services. In the state of Florida, USA, dozens of estuarine habitat restoration projects are underway. These projects have traditionally relied on both natural and man-made materials, including plastics. As the impacts of plastics on marine ecosystems are better understood, practitioners are increasingly focused on plastic-free restoration. To better understand this transition, we surveyed Florida restoration practitioners in April 2021 to capture current non-plastic restoration project trends and their status. Our descriptive survey goals were to understand: (1) what non-plastic materials have been tested, (2) trade-offs between plastic and non-plastic materials (e.g., cost, sourcing, volunteer engagement), and (3) the performance of non-plastic materials. Responses indicated that a variety of non-plastic materials are currently being used, including rock, cement-infused jute structures, cement Reef Balls™ (Reef Ball Foundation, USA), BESE-elements®, and metal gabions. Overall, these materials are more expensive and equally or more difficult to install than previously popular plastic-based materials. No “best” non-plastic material emerged from our survey in part because many novel materials have been deployed for under three years. Long-term performance under a variety of abiotic and biotic conditions is thus a future research priority.

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“…Enhancement (without harvest) of natural oyster biomass through reef restoration is currently being considered for inclusion as a nitrogen reduction practice by the Chesapeake Bay Program ( Reichert-Nguyen 2018 ). Ingested particles that are not assimilated may be ejected as biodeposits and buried in the sediment, although data on this process are limited ( Beseres Pollack et al 2013 ; Kellogg et al 2014 ; Lai et al 2020 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Opportunities and Challenges for Including Oyster-Mediated Denitrification in Nitrogen Management Plans

Rose

Bricker²,

Brush

et al. 2021

Estuaries and Coasts

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Nitrogen pollution is one of the primary threats to coastal water quality globally, and governmental regulations and marine policy are increasingly requiring nitrogen remediation in management programs. Traditional mitigation strategies (e.g., advanced wastewater treatment) are not always enough to meet reduction goals. Novel opportunities for additional nitrogen reduction are needed to develop a portfolio of long-term solutions. Increasingly, in situ nitrogen reduction practices are providing a complementary management approach to the traditional source control and treatment, including recognition of potential contributions of coastal bivalve shellfish. While policy interest in bivalves has focused primarily on nitrogen removal via biomass harvest, bivalves can also contribute to nitrogen removal by enhancing denitrification (the microbial driven process of bioavailable nitrogen transformation to di-nitrogen gas). Recent evidence suggests that nitrogen removed via enhanced denitrification may eclipse nitrogen removal through biomass harvest alone. With a few exceptions, bivalve-enhanced denitrification has yet to be incorporated into water quality policy. Here, we focus on oysters in considering how this issue may be addressed. We discuss policy options to support expansion of oyster-mediated denitrification, describe the practical considerations for incorporation into nitrogen management, and summarize the current state of the field in accounting for denitrification in oyster habitats. When considered against alternative nitrogen control strategies, we argue that enhanced denitrification associated with oysters should be included in a full suite of nitrogen removal strategies, but with the recognition that denitrification associated with oyster habitats will not alone solve our excess nitrogen loading problem.

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Estimating nitrogen removal services of eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) in Mobile Bay, Alabama

Cited by 7 publications

References 43 publications

Using an ecosystem service model to inform restoration planning: A spatially explicit oyster filtration model for Pensacola Bay, Florida

Using an ecosystem service model to inform restoration planning: A spatially explicit oyster filtration model for Pensacola Bay, Florida

The Use of Non-Plastic Materials for Oyster Reef and Shoreline Restoration: Understanding What Is Needed and Where the Field Is Headed

Opportunities and Challenges for Including Oyster-Mediated Denitrification in Nitrogen Management Plans

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