Graduation Year

2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

M.S.

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

Degree Granting Department

Integrative Biology

Major Professor

Heather Judkins, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Brian Maitner, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Peter Stiling, Ph.D.

Keywords

biomonitoring, bivalve, coastal, Dermo, restoration

Abstract

Providing nursey habitat, regulating nutrients, stabilizing shorelines, increasing biological diversity, improving water quality, and creating three-dimensional environments are some of the ecosystem services of oyster reefs. Oyster reefs are threatened by overharvesting, changes in water quality, pollution, and disease. The Eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, is the primary oyster species along Florida’s Gulf coast. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between multiple parameters on artificial reefs and how they influence the health of these reefs. Here, young (less than five years old) artificial oyster reefs were monitored for one year across three sites in Tampa Bay, FL: Lassing Park (LAS), Maximo Park (MAX), and Abercrombie Park (ABE). Monitoring efforts included assessments of water quality, shell metrics, Perkinsosis disease, and recruitment. Weekly water quality monitoring, biweekly shell heights and densities, monthly disease monitoring, and monthly recruitment were conducted using Florida Fish and Wildlife’s Oyster Integrated Mapping and Monitoring Program (OIMMP) methods. It was determined that Perkinsosis disease does not impact recruitment rates (p = 0.79). Additionally, it was determined that size also did not have a statistically significant impact on Perkinsosis infection prevalence (p = .40). Water quality over the course of a year showed an average water temperature of 27.3 oC, salinity of 28.2 ppt, dissolved oxygen of 7.9 mg/L, and total dissolved solids of 27.6 mg/L. Perkinsosis disease monitoring showed an average prevalence of 49.7%. Recruitment averaged 4.4 spat per 28 days.

Download

Included in

Biology Commons

Share

COinS