Context-Dependent Impacts of an Invasive Predator on a Threatened Native Oyster

Jennifer Ruesink, Department of Biology, University of Washington

R/ES-62

What are the effects of predation by the Japanese oyster drill (Ceratostoma inornatum) on native Olympia oyster (Ostrea conchaphila) populations?  The Olympia oyster has suffered major declines with little recovery and drill predation may be one factor.  Funded through the national aquatic invasive species competition, this project examines patterns of variation in drill impacts on Olympia oysters.  It will test the hypothesis that such impacts decline on a per-oyster basis as oyster populations increase.  The resulting understanding of predator-prey dynamics could help set priorities for drill control and identify thresholds for oyster recovery.