US EPA

3288575 

Journal Article 

The role of oyster reefs as essential fish habitat: A review of current knowledge and some new perspectives 

Coen, LD; Luckenbach, MW; Breitburg, DL 

1998 

Yes 

American Fisheries Society. Symposium
ISSN: 0892-2284 

AMER FISHERIES SOC 

BETHESDA 

AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY SYMPOSIUM 

22 

438-454 

WOS:000082192300032 

The importance of molluscan-dominated systems (e.g., oysters
reefs, mussel beds, vermetid gastropods) to the maintenance of commercially and ecologically
important species has not been as broadly recognized as has been the importance of other
structurally complex estuarine habitats such as sea grass beds and salt marshes. As a
consequence, these systems have often been unappreciated and understudied. Important ecosystem
services of molluscan-dominated systems include: (1) filtering capacity; (2) benthic-pelagic
coupling; (3) creation of refugia from predation; (4) creation of feeding habitat for juvenile
and adult mobile species as well as sessile stages of species that attach directly to molluscan
shells; and (5) provision of nesting habitat. Destructive harvesting and overfishing can reduce
habitat extent and impair habitat functioning. Only recently have ecosystem services been
incorporated into the management of these systems. The role of oyster reefs as ""essential fish
habitat"" falls into two principal categories: (1) reefs as habitat for oysters and (2) reefs as
habitat for resident and transient species. Although the former role has received some attention
as part of efforts to restore oyster resources, the latter role remains largely unexplored. The
role of oyster reefs as critical habitat for other species is suggested by the diverse fauna
associated with them; however, the factors that control the development of these reef-associated
assemblages are generally unknown, and enumeration of specific habitat services using replicated
field experiments is just beginning. Using data summarized from studies in Maryland, Virginia,
North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas, we classify finfish assemblages associated with reefs
based upon the degree of their association and include an extensive finfish and decapod species
list. We conclude, within the context of the current state of knowledge, that (1) the
construction of reef bases using materials that provide adequate vertical relief and interstitial
space and (2) the establishment of broodstock sanctuaries protected from harvesting pressure are
important for restoring oyster populations. Utilization of reef habitats by numerous
commercially, recreationally, and ecologically important species across a wide geographic range
likely portends the reef habitats' importance as essential fish habitat, but many functional
relationships remain to be evaluated. Future oyster habitat research needs include (1) defining
the morphological and spatial reef characteristics that support enhanced oyster growth and
survival; (2) improving understanding of how harvest methods affect reef integrity and function;
(3) determining the critical services provided by reef habitats in the life cycles of important
species; and (4) further clarifying the trophic links between the resident fauna on oyster reefs
and transient species. 

Benaka, LR; 

1-888569-12-3