Oyster Recruitment and Biodiversity was part of Ishtar Kenny’s PhD studies, at the University of Adelaide. Ishtar investigated Oyster Recruitment and Biodiversity in 3 Robust Oyster Baskets (ROBs) and some mini oyster baskets, and on settlement plates, at two sites in the Port River.
The study was seeking to understand how many baby Native oysters (Angasi) settle on/in ROBs and mini oyster baskets, and on settlement plates. The results were very encouraging with high numbers (between 800 and 1500) of baby Native oysters in/on ROBS.
Given the high numbers of Pacific oysters in the Port River the study researched how many baby Pacific oysters vs baby Native oysters were recruited to settlement plates, at varying depths from just below water level to 2.2m deep.
Ishtar found that there were high numbers of baby Native oysters in/on ROBS and that while Pacific oysters thrive in the intertidal zone, Native oysters do better than their feral counterparts at lower depths.
Ishtar also studied the biodiversity found within the ROBs, finding that most were native species. There were however several of the invasive kind known to live in the Port River.
In summary Ishtar’s research found
- Native oysters were successfully recruited on/in Robust Oyster Baskets (between 800 and 1500 per ROB)
- Native oysters were successfully recruited to mini ROBs
- While Pacific oysters thrive at or just below the water surface, Native oysters can out compete them at deeper levels (e.g. 2m or so)
- A diversity of life – worms, shellfish, shrimps etc – were found within the ROBs
More details of Ishtar’s research is provided here.
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