Spat density, recruitment and mortality rates were significantly (p < 0.05) different with the interaction of study sites and months. Gonadal maturation and spawning of oyster may depend on certain environmental conditions, which was greatly influenced my seasonality, especially monsoon. Environmental variables varied significantly (p < 0.05) with the interaction of study sites and months (study sites:months) or across the study sites and months. Field observations were made every 15 days to understand the monthly variation of oyster spat settlement more precisely. were estimated for three sites (Nunia Chara–NC, Chowfoldandy–CD, and Sonadia Island–SI) located in Cox’s Bazar coast of Bangladesh from February 2019 to January 2020 deploying shellstring. The spat settlement (spat density, recruitment and mortality) of edible oyster Crassostrea spp. These fisheries support the local economy and heritage, and urgently need management to ensure the protection of these often-overlooked habitats. During the Covid-19 pandemic, oyster fisheries increased, highlighting the value of these fishing grounds for food availability. Fishers suggest establishing marine protected areas and updating fishing regulations to improve fishing stock status. All respondents noticed a fish abundance and size decrease throughout the last decade.
They provide food for local consumption and cash income. Oyster bed fisheries are recreational and commercial, with handline and fish traps the most common used gears. Of 106 Emirati fishers interviewed, 67 % use oyster beds due to the proximity to shore, better catch quality, and species abundance. This study aims to understand the socioeconomic value of oyster bed fisheries through questionnaire based surveys with fishers.
The webinar can be found in the following link: Webinar Link.There is scarce information on the current importance of oyster beds as fishing grounds in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). There was a lunch and learn webinar conducted on Februabout mapping and the shell recycling program. This data on where oysters occur and their condition is a critical piece of data needed to inform restoration. The PENSACOLA EAST & BLACKWATER BAYS INTERTIDAL & SUBTIDAL OYSTER REEF MAPPING & ASSESSMENT final report is complete and can be downloaded from here: Final Report. The success of the program is dependent upon our partners and volunteers who will assist in bringing the cured oyster shells back into the waters of Santa Rosa County. To date, 14 tons (28000 lbs.) of shell has been collected, far exceeding the original goal of 2400 lbs by 2022. The effort is a part of a broader Oyster Habitat Restoration Project funded through the RESTORE Act Direct Component Funds, as a result of the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. The collecting method and outreach materials were developed based on local projects such as Keep Pensacola Beautiful in Escambia County, the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance in Okaloosa and Walton counties and the Alabama Coastal Foundation Oyster Shell recycling program in Baldwin and Mobile counties in Alabama. Sea Grant Extension, Grants & Special Programs and the Environmental Department. The program is a partnership with Santa Rosa County's UF/IFAS Fl. These reefs provide habitat and food for red drum, speckled trout, gulf sturgeon and other marine organisms. When the shell is placed in the water, baby oysters, called “spat” are attracted to the clean shell and create or enhance oyster reefs. This helps reduce the amount of shell taken to the landfill and ultimately benefits local oyster reef restoration projects. Members of the Conservation Corps of the Emerald Coast (CCEC), part of Franklin's Promise Coalition, are making the regular collections.Ĭollected shell is then “cured” (left to the elements to eliminate soft tissue and bacteria) for future use in local oyster reef restoration projects. They have committed to recycling their shells for future restoration projects. The Offer Your Shell To Enhance Restoration (O.Y.S.T.E.R) recycling pilot program have the following participating restaurants, including the Cutting Board and Cosse's Place in Milton.