Review
Environmental Sciences
Marina A. Richardson, Ya Zhang, Rod M. Connolly, Chris L. Gillies, Carmel McDougall
Summary: This review examines the historical presence and decline of tropical oyster reefs and compares their diversity and functional differences with temperate reefs. The study finds that tropical oyster reefs have higher diversity, continuous spatfall, faster growth, and mixed-species reefs compared to temperate reefs. Evidence of unsustainable and destructive harvesting emphasizes the need for restoration efforts in tropical oyster reefs.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yinan Zhang, Hang Wan, Yunlong Zhao, Jiafeng Ding, Zhenchang Zhu, Hangjun Zhang, Zhiquan Liu
Summary: The functional groups and ecological health of a constructed oyster reef in the Yangtze estuary were studied. Long-term monitoring data confirmed the feasibility of creating an artificial oyster reef in this estuary. One or two functional groups were absent under moderate salinity conditions, while greater species richness, abundance, and biomass of macrobenthos functional group were observed under high salinity conditions. The feeding evenness index showed that the ecosystem health of the artificial oyster reefs was good or high, especially under high salinity conditions. Ecological health was lower under moderate salinity, possibly because of the absence of certain functional groups. Redundancy analysis revealed that changes in salinity and substrate factors were associated with ecosystem health. This study confirms the feasibility of artificial oyster reef construction and its positive impact on estuarine ecosystem health.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Dominic McAfee, Brittany R. Williams, Lachlan McLeod, Andreas Reuter, Zak Wheaton, Sean D. Connell
Summary: Marine soundscapes play a crucial role in providing navigational cues for larvae searching for suitable habitats. A study conducted in Australia demonstrates that enriching marine soundscapes using speaker technology can significantly boost oyster recruitment and habitat formation. The use of speakers can influence the early recruitment of oysters, resulting in a larger number of large oysters that form three-dimensional habitats.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
S. Hogan, M. A. Reidenbach
Summary: The study found that artificial reef designs of varying elevations have different effects on coastal protection and oyster growth, with high elevation reefs performing better in attenuating waves and promoting oyster growth. Oyster density on high elevation reefs can be twice as high as on low elevation designs, and reef width has minimal impact on oyster population density.
ESTUARIES AND COASTS
(2022)
Review
Ecology
Christian T. K. -H. Stadtlander
Summary: Coral reefs are highly diverse and valuable habitats on Earth, but they are facing threats from human activities, climate change, and natural events. It has been found that a significant portion of assessed reef corals are at risk of extinction, and projections indicate further decline in the future. Active coral restoration is seen as a potential solution to combat this decline.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Bastien Taormina, Pascal Claquin, Baptiste Vivier, Maxine Navon, Jean-Philippe Pezy, Aurore Raoux, Jean-Claude Dauvin
Summary: The development of human activities at sea has increased the number of artificial structures, which provide new habitats for marine organisms but also modify coastal ecosystems. This study reviews the methods and indicators available to assess the modifications of biodiversity and ecological functioning caused by these structures. It highlights the need for reliable methods and new indicators to better understand the ecological impacts.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Oceanography
Alwin Hylkema, Quirine C. A. Hakkaart, Callum B. Reid, Ronald Osinga, Albertinka J. Murk, Adolphe O. Debrot
Summary: This study analyzed 212 artificial reefs deployed in the Greater Caribbean region, finding limited data on the ecological effects of artificial reefs on surrounding ecosystems. Artificial reefs are mainly used for creating new dive sites, research purposes, and supporting ecosystem restoration, but there is almost no data on systematically comparing the ecological functioning of different types of artificial reefs.
OCEAN & COASTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Lisa M. Smith, Erin M. Reschke, Justin J. Bousquin, James E. Harvey, J. Kevin Summers
Summary: This paper proposes a conceptual approach to characterize ecological suitability, emphasizing the importance of ecological and social indicators in restoration and revitalization efforts. Using a structured literature review, the authors identify existing restoration frameworks and indicators, and apply them to prioritize and evaluate restoration effectiveness, as exemplified in estuaries. The holistic conceptual approach complements existing restoration evaluations and provides a novel way to incorporate ecological and social information for ecosystem managers and stakeholders.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Dominic McAfee, Sean D. Connell
Summary: This article discusses the expansion of non-native Pacific oysters into the former distribution areas of native oyster species worldwide, and the challenges and opportunities they bring to society and ecosystems.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Claudia Pahl-Wostl, Evelyn Lukat, Ulf Stein, Jenny Troeltzsch, Ali Yousefi
Summary: Water governance systems have been developed around the exploitation of ecosystem services, but overexploitation and degradation of these services have led to a decline in their capacity. Decisions related to water-related ecosystem services are often made outside of the water sector, resulting in unsustainable resource use. The article introduces an approach to identify misfits between ecosystem service interdependencies and coordination processes and applies it to case studies in Germany, South Africa, and Iran. The analyses highlight factors contributing to prevailing practices in water management and suggest the need for improved synergies between formal and informal institutional settings to reduce trade-offs in ecosystem service uses. Transformational change is required to address institutional deficits.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Shen-Tong Wang, Wei Wang, Lu-Pin Wang, Li Li, Guo-Fan Zhang
Summary: This study constructed artificial oyster reefs in the coastal zones of the Yellow River Delta and investigated the effects of tidal emersion on oyster growth, density, biomass, element content, and health conditions. The results showed that temperature change driven by tidal emersion was a major factor affecting reef performance. Fully immersed oysters performed better than partially exposed ones in terms of growth and density. However, tidal emersion had no significant effect on the carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus content within oyster tissues. Overall, full immersion was found to be optimal for oyster reef restoration.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Geography, Physical
Quanqin Shao, Shuchao Liu, Jia Ning, Guobo Liu, Fan Yang, Xiongyi Zhang, Linan Niu, Haibo Huang, Jiangwen Fan, Jiyuan Liu
Summary: We propose a theoretical framework to evaluate the ecological benefits of key national ecological projects in China. Through ground survey and remote sensing data, we generated a dataset of primary and secondary indicators related to ecosystem structure, quality, and services. Our study found that areas with higher degrees of ecological restoration were mainly located in specific regions, and the contributions of climatic factors and ecological projects to changes in vegetation and water erosion were quantified. The study highlights the importance of considering climate conditions and implementing comprehensive measures to maximize the benefits of ecological investment funds.
JOURNAL OF GEOGRAPHICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Theresa M. Davenport, A. Randall Hughes, Philine S. E. zu Ermgassen, Jonathan H. Grabowski
Summary: Research on restored reefs shows differences in enhancing nekton recruitment between restored and natural reefs, with insufficient information on characteristics such as size and vertical relief of restored reefs, impacting the return on restoration investments.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Oceanography
Arthur Omondi Tuda, Salit Kark, Alice Newton
Summary: This study examined marine co-management systems in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania to understand how institutions may limit or enable adaptive governance. The research found that Tanzania's co-management network has more autonomous decision units, providing stronger support for polycentricity, while Kenya shows a strong government centrality that may hinder adaptive governance. Enhancing cross-sectoral integration and creating opportunities for multi-stakeholder bridging will be necessary to foster adaptive governance of the Kenya-Tanzania transboundary marine SES.
OCEAN & COASTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sharon S. W. Chan, Ho Tin Wong, Marine Thomas, Heidi K. Alleway, Boze Hancock, Bayden D. Russell
Summary: This study evaluated the biodiversity of an abandoned benthic oyster farm and found that it has significant ecological potential, supporting a greater diversity and biomass of benthic flora and fauna.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Dominic McAfee, Catherine Larkin, Sean D. Connell
Summary: A multi-species approach to habitat restoration can enhance the success of recovery for foundation species, especially in cases where positive interactions are rarely considered in restoration planning. By prioritizing species combinations that create emergent properties for their persistence, this approach can accelerate habitat recovery and the success of restoration programmes by having more ecological productivity and resilience.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Dominic McAfee, Sean D. Connell
Summary: This article discusses the expansion of non-native Pacific oysters into the former distribution areas of native oyster species worldwide, and the challenges and opportunities they bring to society and ecosystems.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Brittany R. Williams, Dominic McAfee, Sean D. Connell
Summary: Technological solutions, such as enriching marine soundscapes, can accelerate the recovery of lost marine habitats by repairing the recruitment process and reducing the risks associated with relying on natural recruitment processes.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biology
Alice R. Jones, Heidi K. Alleway, Dominic McAfee, Patrick Reis-Santos, Seth J. Theuerkauf, Robert C. Jones
Summary: Aquaculture is a crucial food source for the growing world population, with mariculture offering a potential climate-friendly, high-protein food option. Sustainable intensification of low-emission mariculture is key to maintaining a low greenhouse gas footprint as production scales up.
Editorial Material
Biodiversity Conservation
Rodrigo Riera, Ricardo Rodriguez, Dominic McAfee, Sean D. Connell
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dominic McAfee, Melanie J. Bishop, Gray A. Williams
Summary: The habitat formed by rock oysters can provide cool microclimates, allowing associated invertebrate communities to remain stable during periods of temperature change. Oyster habitats consistently have lower maximum temperatures and greater thermal stability compared to bare rock habitats.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Editorial Material
Ecology
Dominic McAfee, Robert Costanza, Sean D. Connell
Summary: Despite criticism that restoration efforts are too small in scale, small successes can lead to large-scale solutions by injecting social values and optimism. Human values are crucial for achieving socio-ecological sustainability, and understanding human behavior is arguably more important than understanding ecological processes.
TRENDS IN ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Brittany R. Williams, Dominic McAfee, Sean D. Connell
Summary: Marine soundscapes provide navigational cues for dispersing organisms, but with habitat loss, these soundscapes are becoming weaker. Using speakers to create healthy soundscapes can attract larvae and enhance recruitment, improving restoration efforts.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Dominic McAfee, Ian M. McLeod, Heidi K. Alleway, Melanie J. Bishop, Simon Branigan, Sean D. Connell, Craig Copeland, Christine M. Crawford, Ben K. Diggles, James A. Fitzsimons, Ben L. Gilby, Paul Hamer, Boze Hancock, Robert Pearce, Kylie Russell, Chris L. Gillies
Summary: Achieving a sustainable socioecological future requires large-scale environmental repair and a multidisciplinary approach. By generating scientific evidence, community support, and funding, the restoration of a forgotten shellfish reef ecosystem was successfully initiated. Aligning project goals with public and industry interests is crucial for addressing multiple political obligations and achieving large-scale ecosystem repair.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dominic McAfee, Patrick Reis-Santos, Alice R. Jones, Bronwyn M. Gillanders, Camille Mellin, Ivan Nagelkerken, Melissa J. Nursey-Bray, Ryan Baring, Graziela Miot da Silva, Jason E. Tanner, Sean D. Connell
Summary: Marine ecosystem restoration is crucial for repairing socio-ecological functions and economic benefits of coastal ecosystems. A healthy marine landscape consists of multiple interacting species and habitats that create valuable ecological functions. Current restoration practices focusing on single species and habitats may limit the potential benefits. To achieve resilient socio-ecological benefits, restoration should aim for a multi-habitat seascape approach.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Letter
Biology
Alice R. Jones, Heidi K. Alleway, Dominic Mcafee, Patrick Reis-Santos, Seth J. Theuerkauf, Robert C. Jones
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Dominic McAfee, Brittany R. Williams, Lachlan McLeod, Andreas Reuter, Zak Wheaton, Sean D. Connell
Summary: Marine soundscapes play a crucial role in providing navigational cues for larvae searching for suitable habitats. A study conducted in Australia demonstrates that enriching marine soundscapes using speaker technology can significantly boost oyster recruitment and habitat formation. The use of speakers can influence the early recruitment of oysters, resulting in a larger number of large oysters that form three-dimensional habitats.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Dominic McAfee, Georgina Drew, Sean D. Connell
Summary: This paper explores ways for researchers to engage stakeholders and improve marine restoration practices by incorporating culturally informed socio-economic well-being into restoration practice.
EARTH SYSTEM GOVERNANCE
(2022)
Letter
Biology
Alice R. Jones, Heidi K. Alleway, Dominic Mcafee, Patrick Reis-Santos, Seth J. Theuerkauf, Robert C. Jones