An Updated Model for Estimating the TMDL‑Related Benefits of Oyster Reef Restoration
An updated, user‑friendly model estimates the TMDL‑related water‑quality benefits of oyster reef restoration. Developed for Harris Creek, Maryland, the web‑based tool simulates nutrient cycling, filtration, and denitrification using site‑specific oyster, water quality, and biogeochemical data to support restoration planning and scenario analysis.
Subject Tags
- Reefs
- Ecosystem management
Summary
This study describes an updated, web‑accessible model developed to quantify the TMDL‑related water‑quality benefits of oyster reef restoration. Originally created to support restoration planning in Harris Creek, Maryland, the model integrates hydrodynamics, watershed inputs, and biogeochemical processes to simulate nutrient cycling, filtration, and ecosystem responses. The base model represents the system as vertically mixed boxes and simulates daily concentrations of key water‑quality parameters, including nutrients, phytoplankton, dissolved oxygen, suspended solids, and organic carbon pools. An oyster sub‑model estimates filtration, nutrient removal and recycling, enhanced denitrification, burial of nitrogen and phosphorus, and oyster growth, respiration, and tissue accumulation. The updated version incorporates site‑specific oyster population and water‑quality data through 2016 and includes the effects of reef‑associated filter feeders, improving estimates of nutrient sequestration and ecosystem function. Delivered through a web browser, the model enables users to run restoration scenarios and evaluate the water‑quality and economic benefits of oyster reef restoration.
Citation
Kellog, M. L., Brush, M. J., & Cornwell, J. C. (2018). An updated model for estimating the TMDL-related benefits of oyster reef restoration: A final report to: The Nature Conservancy and Oyster Recovery Partnership.