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（Oyster beds）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态的重要指示指标。佛罗里达东南部河口区域内牡蛎床的空间分布范围与健康状态变化，是评估CERP（Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan）成效的核心绩效指标。当前正通过绘制现有牡蛎礁/床的分布范围以及活体牡蛎密度（单位：每平方米），建立各河口的牡蛎本底基准数据。在可获取历史分布数据的前提下，结合盐度状况的预测变化，将历史分布数据用于辅助识别具备适宜栖息生境条件、可开展牡蛎恢复的区域。本研究的核心目标包括：（1）建立针对卡卢萨哈奇河口（Caloosahatchee Estuary）牡蛎的长期监测计划；（2）评估向卡卢萨哈奇河口恢复有益的淡水输入模式、盐度状况与水质后，能否达成预期的牡蛎分布格局、群落结构与生存活力；（3）识别适宜牡蛎礁发育、进而可开展牡蛎礁恢复的区域。本研究将为牡蛎生境适宜性指数地理信息系统（Oyster HSI GIS）应用程序提供所需的输入数据，以辅助识别适宜牡蛎礁发育的区域。