Date of Award

2019

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Moore, Jon

Abstract

In Fall 2018, John D. MacArthur Beach State Park’s estuary was surveyed to determine the health and distribution of their oysters. These organisms provide important ecological functions, so their populations are an important reflection on the health of the estuary. Hypothesis one is to determine oyster health by comparing environmental conditions, oyster densities, shell heights, and condition indexes today to a 2010 survey. The second hypothesis is to determine where oysters congregate, either on soft or hard substrates or in different estuary zones. Environmental data was taken once a month, two condition indexes were calculated, and densities and shell heights were measured across the estuary once. Research has predicted a decrease in oyster populations, but this study found little health changes in the last decade. Higher oyster densities were found on hard substrates near the boardwalk, suggesting a future 2019 oyster restoration project should focus here.

Comments

Includes bibliography.

Extent

45 p.

Identifier

FAUHT00072

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