A petition to list the
eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, under the Endangered
Species Act was submitted to NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries
Service in 2005 (reported in the June
2005 Shellfish Restoration Clamor). Although the petition was
ultimately withdrawn by the applicant, the Biological Review Team
that was assembled to conduct a preliminary assessment determined
that there was merit in proceeding with the formal ‘Status Review’
of the species throughout its range within the U.S.
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Intertidal reefs like those being restored
and managed by TNC in the Virginia Coast Reserve, are
prominent features in coastal bays throughout the southern
half of the Eastern oyster's range. These reefs provide a
variety of valuable services including water filtration,
shoreline protection and provision of fish habitat. © Diana
Garland, TNC Volunteer, 2006 |
The Status report concludes that,
although not threatened with extinction, the species does face a
variety of threats throughout its range, including habitat loss from
development and historic over-fishing, water quality
degradation/harmful algal blooms, and natural environmental
disasters such as hurricanes. These and other threats vary in their
intensity from place to place, but none were considered overarching
or critical to long-term species survival standpoint. However, the
report also notes that restoration is being conducted throughout the
species’ range and is perceived to be an important strategy for
ensuring optimal fisheries productivity and, in some locations,
recovery from steep declines (e.g., mid-Atlantic estuaries and
northward).
Citation: Eastern Oyster Biological Review Team.
2007. Status review of the eastern oyster (Crassostrea
virginica). Report to the National Marine Fisheries Service,
Northeast Regional Office. February 16, 2007. 105pp.
The full Status Review report, as well as the
original Petition and Findings are available on NOAA’s
website.
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The NOAA Restoration
Center has launched a new
website containing information about habitats, restoration
approaches and relevant background information on an array of
species and ecosystems. The site provides a good base of information
for restoration practitioners and members of the public who wish to
gain a better understanding of coastal habitats. Of particular value
are the ‘habitat loss’ statistics summarized by region in the
‘Habitats, Techniques and Resources’ tab – from wetlands, to
riparian buffers to shellfish habitat, the statistics on habitat
loss highlight the need for both effective conservation and
restoration.
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Estuarine
Research Federation 2007 Conference, November 4-8
Providence, Rhode Island. Early
registration ends September 21st! (Several sessions pertain to
shellfish conservation, restoration and management).
10th
International Conference on Shellfish Restoration,
November 12-16 Vlissingen,
Netherlands.
100th
Annual meeting of the National Shellfisheries Association,
April 6-10, 2008 Providence, Rhode Island. Early
registration deadline May 31st.
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Estuaries
Restoration Act – proposals due August 20, 2007
NOAA
Community-based Restoration Program – proposals due September 27,
2007
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