Context-Dependent Impacts of an Invasive Predator on a Threatened Native Oyster: Implications for Restoration
R/ES-62
Jennifer L. Ruesink, Department of Biology, University of Washington
The Olympia oyster (Ostreola conchaphila) suffered major declines in the Pacific Northwest due to overexploitation and pulp mill pollution and has largely failed to recover despite the removal of these stressors. Predation by the invasive Japanese oyster drill (Ocinebrella inornata) is one factor that may be keeping Olympia oyster populations locally scarce. This project seeks a mechanistic understanding of predator-prey dynamics that could help prioritize sites for drill control and identify possible thresholds for oyster recovery.
For more information, please contact ruesink@u.washington.edu.