Underutilized Potential of Small-Scale Oyster Reef Restoration Units as Habitat for Invertebrates

Oyster reefs play vital roles in an estuary’s health by filtering the water and by serving as nurseries for many aquatic animals. The objective of this research was to investigate habitat use of smaller macroinvertebrates on restored oyster reefs. Small-scale (approx. 10 cm3) cage (bagged shell) and string (hanging shell) oyster cultch units were deployed on two restored oyster reefs in the Loxahatchee River Estuary for one year. Fauna inhabiting the units were monitored monthly, identified to the lowest practical taxonomic level, and categorized into functional groups based on feeding mode, living position, and mobility. Results showed similar abundance, richness, and diversity of functional groups in cage and string units. These findings suggest that even small-scale oyster reef restorations, such as individual ‘vertical oyster gardens’ (i.e. string units), add valuable habitat for smaller organisms. This research provides additional options for small-scale restoration efforts.