Characterizing nearshore communities associated with bivalve aquaculture in Puget Sound: an underwater video pilot study

Abstract

The marine, inter-tidal zone is optimal habitat for bivalve aquaculture, eelgrass, and other valuable nearshore habitat. The sustainable development of bivalve (oysters, clams) aquaculture in Puget Sound can be informed by an improved understanding of the ecological functions provided by aquaculture sites, relative to natural habitat. A first step is to characterize the fish and large crab communities that associate with aquaculture sites to determine if these communities differ:1) from natural nearshore eelgrass, mud flat, or sand habitat, (2) between grow-out gear types (e.g., longline, on-bottom), and (3) between sub-basins of Puget Sound. Additionally, underwater video (GoPro cameras) was evaluated as a tool to answer these questions. Results will be presented along with continuing research on aquaculture-ecological interactions, and the use of underwater video to advance outreach and education efforts on this topic