MULTISPECIES USE OF VARIOUS HABITATS IN THE MISSISSIPPI SOUND WITH AN EMPHASIS ON FUTURE OYSTER REEF CONSTRUCTION

<p>Transient fish have high economic value and effective restoration projects must consider the variable impacts they may have on these fish in addition to the target organism or habitat being restored. Globally, oyster reef construction is common and will continue but data on their impacts to transient fish is lacking. This study used acoustic telemetry to provide baseline data on the potential for interaction between five transient fish species, and oyster reef construction activities. Overall, I noted that habitat preferences are hierarchical with sandy habitats nearest to bay or river mouths having high transient fish use. Oyster reef construction in these areas is likely to influence transient fish, but the benefit or detriment of the reef depends on the sub-habitats provided. Transient fish have high economic value and effective restoration projects must consider the variable influences they may have on these fish in addition to the target organism or habitat being restored. Future research can use this baseline information to inform biological opinions on restoration impacts and be used to compare pre- and post-reef construction movements of transient fish to hopefully clarify specifically the impacts of oyster reefs on transient fish.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters Thesis

Year dc:date.available

2023

Author dc:creator

• Draper, Austin

Contributors dc:contributor

• Michael J. Andres
• Mark S. Peterson
• Wei Wu

• Movement Ecology
• Oyster Restoration
• Acoustic Telemetry
• Marine Biology

Repository record dc:identifier

https://aquila.usm.edu/masters_theses/968

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:aquila.usm.edu:masters_theses-2042