eDNA AS A COMPLEMENTARY TOOL FOR OYSTER RESTORATION EFFORTS IN THE HAMPTON RIVER

The emerging science of eDNA can provide a continuous flow of data which is vital for protecting and managing aquatic resources, such as oyster reefs. Within the last decade, species detection from eDNA has shown exciting potential for routine species surveys. Oyster reef environments provide tremendous ecological, economic, and cultural value. Currently, oyster reefs of the Hampton River are heavily degraded and condemned for human consumption due to contamination and poor water quality. However, the oysters of the Hampton River continue to hold importance for the communities of Hampton Roads, particularly those that are historically underrepresented and there have been recent oyster restoration efforts. This project aims to use eDNA as a long-term tool to assess and monitor species biodiversity before, during and after oyster restoration efforts in the Hampton River. Three sites were selected to represent a natural oyster reef site, a planting oyster reef site and a control site that lacks oysters. It is important to set baseline of ecological data, such as community structure, species richness, and seasonal shift especially in a data-poor system such as of the Hampton River. We then aim to create a restoration site planning tool that uses eDNA data to identify leverage points where future habitat restoration would maximize biodiversity benefits.  

Presentation Preference: Oral

Primary Presenter: Jeanette Davis, Hampton University (Jeanette.davis@hamptonu.edu)

Authors:

Jeanette Davis, Hampton University  (Jeanette.davis@hamptonu.edu)