Invertebrate biodiversity associated with deep-water pacific oyster(Crassostrea gigas) farms in British Columbia, Canada

摘要

Diverse invertebrate communities ("fouling" communities) are associated with B.C.'s deep-water, suspended shellfish culture systems. The three-dimensional structure of these systems increases habitat complexity and provides hard substrate for larval settlement. These diverse communities require investigation to determine their role in the environmental interactions of shellfish aqua-culture, to document invasive species and to assist in documenting B.C's coastal marine biodiversity. This study monitored fouling communities associated with deep-water suspended oyster rafts at two sites of contrasting current regimes. Biodiversity data were collected in the summer, winter and spring; organisms were identified to species, or the lowest taxon possible using the current taxonomic literature. Community composition data are presented, along with results of preliminary data analysis investigating changes in community composition with depth, site and season.