Return of the native: Survival, growth and condition of European oysters reintroduced to German offshore waters
Merk, V.; Colsoul, B.; Pogoda, B. (2020). Return of the native: Survival, growth and condition of European oysters reintroduced to German offshore waters. Aquat. Conserv. 30(11): 2180-2190. https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/aqc.3426
In: Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems. Wiley: Chichester; New York . ISSN 1052-7613; e-ISSN 1099-0755, more
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| Author keywords |
benthos, ecological restoration, ecosystem services, invertebrates, ocean, reef, sublittoral |
| Authors | | Top |
- Merk, V.
- Colsoul, B.
- Pogoda, B.
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| Abstract |
The European oyster (Ostrea edulis) is under significant threat across its natural distribution range and even functionally extinct in some regions, such as in the German North Sea. Due to its ecological significance in terms of biodiversity and other ecosystem services, the species, and the habitat it provides, are defined as highly endangered by the OSPAR Convention. - Restoration measures are gaining momentum in Europe and conclusive recommendations for large‐scale biogenic reef restoration are relevant for example within the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the Habitats Directive.
- This study examined whether present‐day environmental conditions of sublittoral offshore waters are ecologically suitable for the return of European oysters. Seed oysters (shell length ~2 mm) were deployed in cages in offshore field experiments in 10–26 m water depth.
- Survival, growth, and condition were investigated over the course of 2 years. Survival was high, even over winter. Growth was excellent, with oysters reaching a mean length of 55.0 ± 7.2 mm shell length and 19.2 ± 6.1 g wet weight after 2 years.
- The formation of firmly aggregated oysters was observed and confirms O. edulis as a reef‐building species.
- The overall condition of oysters in the field was excellent, identified by high condition indices and early reproductive activity.
- These findings are highly relevant for future restoration measures in the North Sea as they confirm that present‐day environmental conditions and small, hatchery‐produced seed oysters are suitable of supporting sustainable and successful restoration efforts even in sublittoral offshore waters.
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