Semanchik, Kristie, Department of Biology, Bucknell University, 1 Dent Drive, Lewisburg, PA 17837, ks065@bucknell.edu; Bushek, David, Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University, Haskin Shellfish Research Lab, 6959 Miller Avenue, Port Norris, NJ, 07732; Shinn, Jenny, Marine and Coastal Sciences Rutgers University; Haskin Shellfish Research Lab 6959 Miller Avenue Port Norris NJ, 07732; Barry, Talia, Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University; Haskin Shellfish Research Lab, 6959 Miller Avenue, Port Norris, NJ, 07732.
A living shoreline is a structure for coastal restoration composed of natural and man-made materials to protect shorelines while promoting ecological enhancement through the recruitment of key foundation species such as shellfish or native vegetation. Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginia) are a common target species because they form reefs that provide ecosystem services such as increased water filtration, habitat development, and coastal defense. This study examined three ways to optimize recruitment of Crassostrea virginica on low carbon concrete (LCC) used for living shorelines. First, recruitment to LCC modules was compared to traditional materials (shell and rock). Second, the effects of three post-manufacturing surface texturing treatments on recruitment were compared. Third, the effect of a poly-catechol styrene primer applied via three different solvents was compared against an untreated control. Results indicated that LCC reef units perform as well or better than traditional materials. Somewhat surprisingly, surface texturing methods performed significantly worse than the untreated control indicating that the texture from the manufacturing process was more than adequate. Additionally, there was no clear effect on LCC treated with a SeaTakTM Poly-catechol styrene primer regardless of the solvent used, however, tests of attachment strength remain to be completed. This research contributes to ongoing efforts to develop resilient coastal protection strategies via the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Reefense Program. The outcomes of this study will help inform the design and implementation of future oyster restoration and shoreline protection projects, leading to increased protection of vulnerable coastal areas.
Living Shoreline, Coastal Resillence, Eastern Oyster