Increasing hatchery production of larval eastern oysters, Crassostrea virginica, in the northern Gulf of Mexico through optimization of carbonate chemistry and salinity in source water
Why we care
While the largest remaining natural oyster reefs in the world reside in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM), natural and anthropogenic events have converged to threaten the oyster industry. Seed and sack oysters are at an all time low and there has been virtually no production in Mississippi in recent years. Aquaculture has the potential to mitigate declines through both oyster reef restoration and off-bottom farming. However, to date neither public nor private hatcheries in the GOM have been able to meet the seed demand due, in part, to increasingly common failures that occur in oyster hatcheries worldwide. This project brings together scientists and oyster growers to address aquaculture failures from ocean acidification conditions and to improve management and resilience.
What we will do
This project investigates the effects of coastal acidification on eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica). Specifically, this work evaluates how brackish water under different alkalinity regimes, acidification conditions, and salinities affect survival and development of larval eastern oysters. Researchers from the University of Southern Mississippi, Auburn University, and Texas A&M University will partner with shellfish growers from across the region.
The team will work together to monitor water quality at select sites near existing and/or proposed hatcheries in the northern GOM. The goal is to identify water characteristics that correlate with production. By collecting these data, oyster farmers can better understand the effects of water quality including salinity and carbonate chemistry on larval production. The goal is to use this new understanding and increased capacity to improve water quality management and hatchery performance and/or the resilience in the Industry.
Researchers will also conduct laboratory experiments to examine the specific individual and combined effects of aragonite saturation levels and salinity on survival and growth of oyster larvae. Aragonite is a building block mineral oysters used to grow and maintain shells and the level of saturation is often correlated to their abilities to perform this function.
Finally, the team will analyze and synthesize experimental and environmental data to identify optimum conditions for survival of oyster larvae. Integrating this work collectively, the team will establish a foundation for products needed for improving management strategies and building resilience for the oyster industry.
Benefits of our work
This project will strengthen relationships between scientists and oyster farmers in the Gulf of Mexico to address fundamental challenges to support the oyster industry. Both scientists and oyster farmers gain an improved understanding of the response by oysters to coastal acidification. Synthesis of the scientific information collected will enable products to improve management strategies and resilience in the industry.
Investigators
Reginald Blaylock, University of Southern Mississippi
Eric Powell, University of Southern Mississippi
Megan Gima, University of Southern Mississippi
Angelos Apeitos, University of Southern Mississippi
Xinping Hu, Texas A&M University Corpus Christi
Phillip J. Waters, Auburn Marine Extension & Research
Scott Rikard, Auburn University Shellfish Laboratory, Dauphin Island
Russell Grice, Auburn University and MS-AL Sea Grant
Don McMahon, Pensacola Bay Oyster Company LLC
Terry Boyd, Magnolia Key Oyster Company
Image: Gulf of Mexico eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica). Credit: NOAA Fisheries
