Project Page

DWH Project Funding

$449,907

Known Leveraged Funding

$0

Project Description

This project develops an optical observation system measuring the complete set of the inherent optical properties in the Mississippi Sound to monitor and predict oyster larvae performance as measured by growth and survival at metamorphosis. Oyster larvae feed on naturally occurring phytoplankton in the water column; the quality of this food source is critical in minimizing time to metamorphosis (growth and development rate) and success at metamorphosis. The study consists of two components: a novel optical observation system provides critical data to a cutting-edge oyster larvae model for predicting time to metamorphosis and survival at metamorphosis. All matter interacts with light, and inherent optical properties describe how the light is scattered and absorbed by the particles in a water column. We have developed state-of-the-art optical models that can: (1) quantify the concentration and the type of particles from the measurement of angular distribution of scattered light; and (2) infer the species of phytoplankton from the spectral variation of absorption. The combination of these two techniques allows rapid and accurate monitoring of key water quality parameters over extended spatial and temporal scales. The oyster larvae model is the only bivalve larval model that utilizes food quality as well as quantity in determining larval success. The model structure builds on the known biochemical repertoire of oyster larvae, in which metabolism is based on lipid rather than carbohydrates, and the lipid requirements for successful metamorphosis. The project addresses a critical research gap in understanding recruitment to oyster reefs and their sustainable management in the north-central Gulf of Mexico. In particular, our specific focus on oyster larvae is of timely relevance given the recent influx of fresh water due to the opening of the Bonnet Carré spillway that has all but destroyed the adult oyster stock in the Mississippi Sound. Consequently, recovery of the estuary and rebuilding the oyster stock depends heavily on the availability of oyster larvae and their success at metamorphosis.