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Competition between oysters and barnacles: The impact of native and invasive barnacle density on native oyster settlement, growth, and survivorship.
Author(s) Boudreaux, M. L., Universtiy of Central Florida
Walters, L. J., University of Central Florida
Type Poster
Session CPS-02 - Population and community dynamics
Time & Place Wednesday, lunch in Hampton Roads Ballroom (subject to change)
 
Populations of the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica in Mosquito Lagoon, the northern-most section of Florida’s Indian River Lagoon system, have recently undergone significant die-offs. Efficient approaches to the conservation and management of this keystone species and ecosystem engineer are crucial. This research focused on interference competition between C. virginica and native versus invasive sessile invertebrates. In Mosquito Lagoon, fouling organisms completely cover submerged surfaces within days. Over 300 barnacles, including a native species, Balanus eburneus, and an invasive, Balanus amphitrite, have been counted on a single oyster shell. To determine if Balanus spp. affects settlement, growth, and survivorship of C. virginica, laboratory and field experiments were conducted in which densities of Balanus amphitrite and Balanus eburneus were manipulated. Densities of each treatment included: no barnacles (control), low, medium, and high coverage. Laboratory settlement trials with cultured oyster larvae were run in still water and flow (recirculating flume) using all shell treatments. Additionally, shell treatments with 7-day oyster spat were deployed in the field. Settlement was counted by microscopy, while growth and survivorship were measured every 3 days for 4 weeks. Competitive interactions will give important insights into the ecological conditions necessary for re-establishment of oyster populations.