Is Oyster Spat Settlement Influenced by Other Species Present?

Jamie Hyppolite

Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation

College: Hennings College of Science Mathematics and Technology

Major: BA.BIOLOGY

Faculty Research Mentor: Allison Fitzgerald

Abstract:

This study focuses on finding oysters in the Hudson River and investigates how the species richness and abundance of dominant invertebrates in spat bags influence oyster spat settlement. Juvenile oysters face challenges from fouling organisms that compete for space and resources, which can impact oyster populations. For example, increased barnacle populations have been shown to reduce oyster settlement and growth. Additionally, mud crabs can be significant predators of oyster spat. Shell bags were deployed at four sites. Pier 96, Pier 55, Pier 40, and Pier 26 in Hudson River Park. We sampled the bags several times throughout the summer: June 30, August 18, and September 19. Sampling involved carefully removing the shells and sieving the water to collect all fouling organisms. Our lab analysis identified several species, from the first samples, including the invasive Asian Isopod (Synidotea laticauda) and predators like larval crabs and the Oyster flatworm (Stylochus ellipticus). On our last sample day, we removed every bag from the Hudson River to identify species from every bag and counted the number of spats found.