Characterizing nearshore communities associated with bivalve aquaculture in Puget Sound: an underwater video pilot study
Presentation Abstract
The marine, inter-tidal zone is optimal habitat for bivalve aquaculture, eelgrass, and other valuable nearshore habitat. The sustainable development of bivalve (oysters, clams) aquaculture in Puget Sound can be informed by an improved understanding of the ecological functions provided by aquaculture sites, relative to natural habitat. A first step is to characterize the fish and large crab communities that associate with aquaculture sites to determine if these communities differ:1) from natural nearshore eelgrass, mud flat, or sand habitat, (2) between grow-out gear types (e.g., longline, on-bottom), and (3) between sub-basins of Puget Sound. Additionally, underwater video (GoPro cameras) was evaluated as a tool to answer these questions. Results will be presented along with continuing research on aquaculture-ecological interactions, and the use of underwater video to advance outreach and education efforts on this topic.
Session Title
Posters: Habitat Restoration & Protection
Conference Track
SSE18: Posters
Conference Name
Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2018 : Seattle, Wash.)
Document Type
Event
SSEC Identifier
SSE18-74
Start Date
5-4-2018 11:30 AM
End Date
5-4-2018 1:30 PM
Type of Presentation
Poster
Genre/Form
conference proceedings; presentations (communicative events); posters
Contributing Repository
Digital content made available by University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Subjects – Topical (LCSH)
Bivalves--Washington (State)--Puget Sound; Aquaculture--Washington (State)--Puget Sound; Marine ecology--Washington (State)--Puget Sound; Underwater videography--Washington (State)--Puget Sound
Geographic Coverage
Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.); Puget Sound (Wash.)
Rights
This resource is displayed for educational purposes only and may be subject to U.S. and international copyright laws. For more information about rights or obtaining copies of this resource, please contact University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225-9103, USA (360-650-7534; heritage.resources@wwu.edu) and refer to the collection name and identifier. Any materials cited must be attributed to the Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference Records, University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Type
Text
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
Characterizing nearshore communities associated with bivalve aquaculture in Puget Sound: an underwater video pilot study
The marine, inter-tidal zone is optimal habitat for bivalve aquaculture, eelgrass, and other valuable nearshore habitat. The sustainable development of bivalve (oysters, clams) aquaculture in Puget Sound can be informed by an improved understanding of the ecological functions provided by aquaculture sites, relative to natural habitat. A first step is to characterize the fish and large crab communities that associate with aquaculture sites to determine if these communities differ:1) from natural nearshore eelgrass, mud flat, or sand habitat, (2) between grow-out gear types (e.g., longline, on-bottom), and (3) between sub-basins of Puget Sound. Additionally, underwater video (GoPro cameras) was evaluated as a tool to answer these questions. Results will be presented along with continuing research on aquaculture-ecological interactions, and the use of underwater video to advance outreach and education efforts on this topic.
