Setting Objectives for Oyster Habitat Restoration Using Ecosystem Services A Manager’s Guide
Learn how oyster restoration has moved beyond increasing harvests toward rebuilding lost reef habitat and the ecosystem services it provides. The chapter highlights the need for quantitative, estuary‑scale objectives so managers can understand how individual projects contribute to broader ecological outcomes and use tools such as the online calculator.
Subject Tags
- Reefs
- Ecosystem management
- Habitat restoration
Abstract
The evolution of oyster habitat restoration from efforts focused mainly on increasing oyster harvests to a broader approach aimed at recovering the ecosystem services lost with widespread reef decline. These services include fisheries enhancement, water quality improvement, shoreline protection, and cultural value. The chapter emphasizes the importance of defining clear, measurable, estuary‑scale objectives so managers can quantify how much restoration is needed and how each project contributes to system‑wide goals. It introduces an online calculator designed to estimate filtration capacity and fish production based on oyster density, size, and estuary characteristics. The guide stresses that while historic oyster abundance provides context, modern objectives should prioritize ecosystem function.
Citation
zu Ermgassen, P., Hancock, B., DeAngelis, B., Greene, J., Schuster, E., Spalding, M., & Brumbaugh, R. (2016). Setting objectives for oyster habitat restoration using ecosystem services: A manager’s guide. The Nature Conservancy, Arlington VA, 76.
TNC Authors
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Boze Hancock
Sr Marine Restoration Scientist. Massachusetts
The Nature Conservancy
Email: bhancock@tnc.org -
Mark Spalding
Senior Marine Scientist. Protect Oceans, Lands and Waters
The Nature Conservancy
Email: mspalding@tnc.org -
Bryan DeAngelis
Lead Ocean Scientist. California
The Nature Conservancy
Email: bdeangelis@tnc.org -
Robert Brumbaugh
Caribbean Division Director. Caribbean
The Nature Conservancy
Email: rbrumbaugh@tnc.org