ABSTRACT
This chapter hypothesizes that constructed intertidal Eastern oyster reefs are successful functionally if they have equivalent oyster density, faunal assemblage structure, and trophic levels compared to adjacent natural reefs. It evaluates oyster reef assemblages at the completion of a 22-month study by quantifying the similarities in species/taxa richness and density on constructed and natural intertidal fringe reefs, quantifying density and species composition of functional feeding groups on constructed and natural intertidal fringe reefs. Constructed oyster reefs increase fish habitat, provide foraging grounds, and increase the complexity of the trophic structure, thus building sustainable oyster reef assemblages that contribute to living shorelines. Constructed intertidal oyster reefs appear to enhance the number of benthic–pelagic functions of the estuarine ecosystem of the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, as illustrated by the high richness, density of lower trophic level organisms, and trophic networks.
