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Benthic assemblages associated with native and non-native oysters are similar
Nadescha Zwerschke1, Mark C Emmerson2, Dai Roberts2
1Queen's University Belfast Marine Laboratory, 12-13 The Strand, Portaferry BT22 1PF, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
Marine Pollution Bulletin
|July 6, 2016
Summary
The invasive Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) and native European oyster (Ostrea edulis) similarly support biodiversity. Non-native species can be crucial for maintaining biodiversity where native populations decline.
Area of Science:
- Marine Ecology
- Invasive Species Biology
- Benthic Ecology
Background:
- Invasive species can disrupt native ecosystems and alter ecological functions.
- The Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) is a pervasive invasive species impacting various marine habitats.
- The native European oyster (Ostrea edulis) populations are declining, potentially affecting associated biodiversity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of the invasive Pacific oyster (C. gigas) on native benthic assemblages.
- To compare the effects of C. gigas with the declining native European oyster (O. edulis) on biodiversity.
- To investigate the role of oyster species and habitat structure in facilitating biodiversity.
Main Methods:
- Experimental manipulation of C. gigas and O. edulis presence in intertidal and subtidal zones.
- Construction of artificial reefs with horizontal and vertical orientations to the substratum.
- Assessment of species diversity and benthic assemblage structure after 12 months.
Main Results:
- Species diversity and benthic assemblage structure were similar between C. gigas and O. edulis assemblages.
- Significant differences in assemblages were observed between habitats (intertidal vs. subtidal) and reef orientation.
- Both oyster species demonstrated functional similarity in facilitating biodiversity.
Conclusions:
- Invasive oysters can play a role in biodiversity maintenance, similar to declining native species.
- Habitat type and structural orientation are key factors influencing associated benthic assemblages.
- Non-native species may be important for conserving biodiversity in ecosystems with diminished native populations.
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