RECOVER MAP 3.3.3.10 Oyster HSI Derived Salinity and Flow for the Caloosahatchee River Estuary - 2000 - 2012

Oyster beds provide important habitat for numerous organisms and are indicators of a healthy estuary. Changes in the spatial extent and health of oyster beds in southeast Florida estuaries are key performance measures that will help assess the success of CERP. A baseline for oysters in each estuary is being established by mapping the existing distribution of reefs/beds, and density of living oysters (per square meter). Historical distributions, where available are being used to assist in identifying areas which may have suitable habitat conditions for reestablishment, given predictive changes in the salinity regime. The main objectives of this study are: (1) To set up long term program for monitoring oysters in the Caloosahatchee Estuary; (2) Determine if the restoration of beneficial patterns of freshwater inflow, salinity and water quality to the Caloosahatchee Estuary will achieve the expected distribution, community structure and viability of oysters; and (3) To identify areas suitable for the development and therefore potential restoration of oyster reefs. This study will provide the input data required by the Oyster HSI GIS application to assist in identifying areas suitable for the development of oyster reefs.牡蛎床为众多生物提供了关键栖息生境，同时也是河口生态系统健康状况的重要指示因子。佛罗里达州东南部河口的牡蛎床空间范围与健康状态的变化，是评估综合大沼泽地恢复计划（CERP）实施成效的关键绩效指标。当前，研究团队正通过绘制现有牡蛎礁/牡蛎床的分布范围以及活体牡蛎的密度（单位：每平方米），建立各河口的牡蛎本底数据集。在可获取历史分布数据的情况下，研究人员将利用这些数据辅助识别那些在盐度格局预测变化下，仍具备适宜栖息条件、可用于牡蛎恢复的区域。本研究的核心目标包括：（1）建立针对卡洛萨哈奇河口（Caloosahatchee Estuary）的牡蛎长期监测方案；（2）评估向卡洛萨哈奇河口恢复有益的淡水输入、盐度及水质模式后，能否实现预期的牡蛎分布、群落结构与生存活力；（3）识别适宜牡蛎礁发育、可开展潜在恢复工作的区域。本研究将为牡蛎栖息地适宜性指数（Oyster HSI）GIS应用提供所需的输入数据，以辅助识别适宜牡蛎礁发育的区域。