2022-2024 FISP: Ecosystem Benefits of UK Oyster Aquaculture Sites Avon Sediment Sampling Survey

As part of the Fisheries Industry Science Partnerships (FISP) project 'Ecosystem Benefits of UK Oyster Aquaculture Sites' project partners Tethys Oysters Ltd. / Atlantic Edge Oysters Ltd., Envision Marine Ltd. and the University of Essex have collaborated in a research project to determine ecosystem benefits provided by oyster aquaculture by measuring biodiversity and denitrification activity at a variety of sites in England and Wales. Surveys were undertaken by ENVISION in 2023 to measure the biodiversity associated with three oyster farms and one naturalised rock oyster reef in comparison to control sites with similar environmental conditions, as well as ecosystem function (nitrification/denitrification activity) at these sites. Recognising the importance of conservation and restoration of native oyster populations, surveys were also carried out in 2022 and 2023 to measure oyster abundance and associated biodiversity at an historic native oyster site, commercially restocked with native oysters in 2021. Survey works included recording of underwater imagery, sediment sampling, oyster dredging and ecosystem function sampling. Underwater camera systems were used to record the diversity of biota around the oysters during submersion. Sediment samples were taken for measurement of diversity of macrofauna, particle size distribution and total organic carbon, and the ecosystem function testing involved sampling of sediment and swabs of oysters/hard surfaces to determine the abundance and activity of denitrifying/nitrifying microorganisms on oyster site substrates, through genomic analysis. The results of the denitrification and biodiversity services provided by oyster aquaculture were communicated to consumers, industry and decision makers to increase understanding and promote awareness of the ecosystem benefits provided by aquaculture.本研究隶属于渔业产业科学伙伴关系（Fisheries Industry Science Partnerships, FISP）项目“英国牡蛎养殖场地的生态系统效益”，由合作方Tethys Oysters Ltd.、Atlantic Edge Oysters Ltd.、Envision Marine Ltd.与埃塞克斯大学（University of Essex）联合开展，旨在通过测定英格兰与威尔士多类场地的生物多样性及反硝化（denitrification）活性，评估牡蛎养殖所提供的生态系统效益。2023年，Envision团队开展调查，对比3处牡蛎养殖场、1处归化岩牡蛎礁与环境条件相似的对照场地的相关生物多样性，并同步测定上述场地的生态系统功能（硝化/反硝化活性）。鉴于本土牡蛎种群保护与修复的重要性，研究团队还于2022年和2023年，在一处2021年完成商业引种本土牡蛎的历史本土牡蛎场地开展调查，测定该场地的牡蛎丰度及相关生物多样性。本次调查涵盖水下影像录制、沉积物采样、牡蛎拖网采样与生态系统功能采样：水下摄像系统在水下录制牡蛎周边生物群落的多样性；采集沉积物样本以测定大型底栖生物（macrofauna）多样性、粒径分布与总有机碳含量；生态系统功能测试则采集沉积物与牡蛎及硬质表面的拭子样本，通过基因组分析测定牡蛎场地基质上反硝化/硝化微生物的丰度与活性。研究团队将牡蛎养殖提供的反硝化与生物多样性服务相关成果传递给消费者、产业界与决策者，以提升各方对水产养殖生态系统效益的理解与认知。