Open AccessRestoring shellfish reefs: Global guidelines for practitioners and scientists
Author(s) -
Fitzsimons James A.,
Branigan Simon,
Gillies Chris L.,
Brumbaugh Robert D.,
Cheng Jun,
DeAngelis Bryan M.,
Geselbracht Laura,
Hancock Boze,
Jeffs Andrew,
McDonald Tein,
McLeod Ian M.,
Pogoda Bernadette,
Theuerkauf Seth J.,
Thomas Marine,
Westby Stephanie,
zu Ermgassen Philine S.E.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
conservation science and practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2578-4854
DOI - 10.1111/csp2.198
Subject(s) - reef , shellfish , fishery , restoration ecology , oyster , ecosystem , geography , environmental resource management , environmental planning , environmental science , ecology , biology , fish <actinopterygii> , aquatic animal
Widespread global declines in shellfish reefs (ecosystem‐forming bivalves such as oysters and mussels) have led to growing interest in their restoration and protection. With restoration projects now occurring on four continents and in at least seven countries, global restoration guidelines for these ecosystems have been developed based on experience over the past two decades. The following key elements of the guidelines are outlined: (a) the case for shellfish reef restoration and securing financial resources; (b) planning, feasibility, and goal setting; (c) biosecurity and permitting; (d) restoration in practice; (e) scaling up from pilot to larger scale restoration, (f) monitoring, (g) restoration beyond oyster reefs (specifically mussels), and (h) successful communication for shellfish reef restoration projects.