Abstract
Ecosystem engineering processes are relevant to many environmental
problems and management concerns. Within the program
‘‘Building with Nature’’ (www.ecoshape.nl) we investigate the use
of bivalve reefs as ecodynamic measures to protect tidal flats
against erosion, which poses a serious problem in the Oosterschelde
estuary (Netherlands). Bivalve reefs are ecosystem engineers
that influence tidal flow and wave action and therefore
modify sediment transport patterns. The development of such
infrastructural solutions that aim for an integration with the
natural environment can only be achieved through experimentation
and learning-by-doing. Artificial oyster reefs were constructed
in different erosional intertidal environments in the Oosterschelde.
Reefs consist of gabions filled with oyster shells (Crassostrea gigas),
offering a stable substrate that allows for the settlement of oysters,
while minimizing shell loss. Monitoring results indicate that
artificial reefs can develop into self-maintaining, living oyster reefs
which stabilize tidal flats. Site-specific effects in reef development
(e.g. recruitment of oyster larvae) and in sediment dynamics were
observed. Knowledge about local hydromorphological conditions
and a thorough understanding of the ecosystem engineering
properties and habitat requirements of C. gigas are needed to
implement this concept in management practices. We present the
concept, monitoring and modeling results and derive design rules
from these.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | 104th Annual Meeting, Shellfisheries Association, Seattle, Washington, March 24–29, 2012 |
| Place of Publication | Washington |
| Publisher | National Shellfisheries Association |
| Pages | 362-362 |
| Volume | 31 |
| Publication status | Published - 2012 |