Developing nitrogen bioextraction economic value via off-bottom oyster aquaculture in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico.

Eutrophication remains a persistent water quality issue throughout much of the United States, leading to changes to ecosystem health in valuable coastal habitats. Oysters help to buffer against eutrophication by removing nitrogen from the water column by feeding on phytoplankton and other seston, a process referred to as "bioextraction". Recent legislation in Texas has allowed oysters to be grown off-bottom (suspended in cages).

Spatial-temporal dynamics of decaying stages of pelagic Sargassum spp. along shorelines in Puerto Rico using Google Earth Engine.

Coastal social-ecological systems in the Caribbean are affected by pelagic Sargassum spp. influxes and decomposition, but most satellite monitoring efforts focus on offshore waters. We developed a method to detect and spatial-temporally assess sargassum accumulations and their decaying stages along the shoreline and nearshore waters.

A restoration suitability index model for the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) in the Mission-Aransas Estuary, TX, USA.

Oyster reefs are one of the most threatened marine habitats on earth, with habitat loss resulting from water quality degradation, coastal development, destructive fishing practices, overfishing, and storm impacts. For successful and sustainable oyster reef restoration efforts, it is necessary to choose sites that support long-term growth and survival of oysters. Selection of suitable sites is critically important as it can greatly influence mortality factors and may largely determine the ultimate success of the restoration project.