Stakeholder-Driven Modeling to Understand Oyster Population Sustainability - NERRS/NSC(NERRS Science Collaborative)

The Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) is a keystone species in northeast Florida estuaries, including the Guana Tolomato Matanzas (GTM) Reserve. However, scientists, managers and oyster harvesters are concerned about the long-term persistence and viability of local populations. In the GTM Reserve, water quality issues are causing some areas to be closed for harvesting, which could be intensifying harvesting pressure in remaining open areas. Other factors, such as predation, disease, and increased salinity, can also slow growth or kill oysters. This complicated situation recently led stakeholders and reserve staff to establish the GTM Oyster Water Quality Task Force in order to identify causes and collaboratively address the region’s oyster challenges.