Environmental Research Department Grant for Assessing Dual-Purpose Fish/Oyster Reefs in Lynnhaven River, VA

Brief Description of Anticipated Work:

Our objectives are to monitor and document the status of these reefs. For the oyster component, a physical assessment of the reefs is desired. Assessing the reefs for oyster and other attached fauna for density and biomass (dry weight) and for oysters, size-frequency distribution. Approximately 50 samples will be needed to minimize the SE (standard error of the mean) and ensure survey accuracy. 

An assessment of fish use of the reefs is also desired. For this component, a variety of methods could be used. Control sites for this work will also be necessary in order to determine what differences in fish species distribution and abundance, if any, exists between the fish/oyster reef sites and surrounding open sandy bottom areas. 

There are two sites that will need to be monitored. The first site is 8-acres mostly in the low intertidal and shallow water zone. It consists of several thousand reef balls weighing approximately 50 lbs. Each. The second site which is currently under construction is proposed to consist of crushed concrete or granite riprap with an oyster shell veneer. This subtidal, high-relief reef is approximately 18” off the surrounding bottom. The second site will cover anywhere from 23-30 acres post-construction and is approximately -6 ft MLW.