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Host genetic identity determines parasite community structure across time and space in oyster restoration

Published Article

Rhode Island

Publication date: March 29, 2023

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Research on restored oyster reefs in Quonochontaug Pond, Rhode Island demonstrates that oyster genetic identity strongly influences parasite community prevalence and intensity over four years. Findings show that seed source shapes susceptibility to multiple parasites, offering critical guidance for improving long‑term oyster restoration outcomes.

Subject Tags

  • Health
  • Habitat restoration

Abstract

Intraspecific variation in host susceptibility to individual parasite species is common, yet how these effects scale to mediate the structure of diverse parasite communities in nature is less well understood. To address this knowledge gap, we tested how host genetic identity affects parasite communities on restored reefs seeded with juvenile oysters from different sources—a regional commercial hatchery or one of two wild progenitor lines. We assessed prevalence and intensity of three micro- and two macroparasite species for 4 years following restoration. Despite the spatial proximity of restored reefs, oyster source identity strongly predicted parasite community prevalence across all years, with sources varying in their relative susceptibility to different parasites. Oyster seed source also predicted reef-level parasite intensities across space and through time. Our results highlight that host intraspecific variation can shape parasite community structure in natural systems, and reinforce the importance of considering source identity and diversity in restoration design.

Citation

Hanley, T. C., Grabowski, J. H., Schneider, E. G., Barrett, P. D., Puishys, L. M., Spadafore, R., ... & Randall Hughes, A. (2023). Host genetic identity determines parasite community structure across time and space in oyster restoration. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 290(1995).

https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2022.2560

TNC Authors