With PQDT Open, you can read the full text of open access dissertations and theses free of charge.
About PQDT Open
Search
Losses of diversity from wetland habitat decline may be counteracted via habitat restoration using a living shoreline design. This study assesses paired oyster and seagrass restoration through response of fish and infaunal invertebrates. Olympia oysters (Ostrea lurida) and eelgrass (Zostera marina) were restored, separately and paired, at four sites in Newport Bay, CA. Infauna were monitored via sediment cores pre- and post-restoration. Fish were sampled using baited camera traps and quadrats. I predicted infaunal losses would occur directly beneath oyster beds, but that eelgrass would enhance infaunal communities, offsetting this decrease in paired habitats. I expected greater fish abundance and diversity within restored habitats. Predicted infaunal diebacks were observed only beneath oyster beds. Significant infaunal shifts, including increased species richness, were observed within eelgrass beds, suggesting benefits of paired restoration. Unique fish species were observed within each restoration treatment, highlighting the ecological value of each habitat’s presence in restored wetlands.
Advisor: | Whitcraft, Christine R |
Commitee: | Zacherl, Danielle C, Lowe, Christopher G |
School: | California State University, Long Beach |
Department: | Biological Sciences |
School Location: | United States -- California |
Source: | MAI 81/4(E), Masters Abstracts International |
Source Type: | DISSERTATION |
Subjects: | Biology, Ecology, Environmental science |
Keywords: | Baited video monitoring, Benthic macrofauna, Eelgrass, Living shorelines, Olympia oysters, Wetland restoration |
Publication Number: | 13902916 |
ISBN: | 9781687913111 |