Recruitment of 'Crassostrea virginica': A Tool for Monitoring the Aquatic Healthof the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve

摘要

Recruitment levels of the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin, 1791),were evaluated on the Duplin Rover within the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve, and the results were used to establish a data base to monitor system health. Three sites were chosen (Marsh Landing, Jack Hammock, and Flume Dock) which together encompassed much of the Duplin River. Sampling occurred on a monthly basis and at the end of the settling season. Settlement commenced in June, peaked in August (with a maximum density of spat of 35,000 spat per square meter, i.e., 350 spat/0.0 sq m), and ceased in October/November. The density values were high and comparable to levels experienced in Wassaw Sound, GA, which were obtained employing similar techniques.