Science, Space and Technology News 2024
Research shows Chesapeake Bay’s oyster sanctuaries are effective, boosting oyster populations and overall biodiversity, despite challenges from native parasites. The sanctuaries enhance habitat quality and support a richer marine ecosystem.
A restored oyster reef in a sanctuary in the James River, Maryland. Credit: Fisheries Conservation Lab, Smithsonian Environmental Research CenterOysters are the backbone of Chesapeake Bay, contributing millions of dollars to the regional economy annually and serving as crucial habitats and water-purifying filter feeders. However, their populations have plummeted to approximately 1% of historic levels due to disease, overharvesting, habitat loss, and pollution.
Allison Tracy deploys a camera rig with GoPros attached to survey oyster reefs underwater. Credit: Fisheries Conservation Lab, Smithsonian Environmental Research CenterThe resurgence in marine life went hand in hand with a rise in oyster parasites. The study looked at two parasites in particular: the boring sponge and the mud blister worm. Boring sponges drill holes through oyster shells to find shelter. Blister worms form U-shaped burrows inside the shells.
“Parasites have been ignored as an important component of biodiversity,” said Allison Tracy, a co-author from the University of Maryland. “But they’re a natural part of ecosystems….The way ecosystems naturally function depends on parasite effects.” Overall, oysters fared better in the sanctuaries. All three tributaries had higher densities of legal, harvest-sized oysters in their sanctuaries than in their harvest sites. In two tributaries—the James and Great Wicomico rivers—oysters ofMatt Ogburn on a tagging expedition. Credit: Jay Fleming/Smithsonian Institution
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