The world is their oyster : differences in epibiota on sympatric populations of native Ostrea edulis and non-native Crassostrea gigas (Magallana gigas) oysters
Abstract
In this study we aimed to assess the relative effects of native Ostrea edulis and non-native Crassostrea gigas and their associated epibiotic biodiversity. We recorded epibiont location on the shell as well as the upper or lower valve. Epibiont species richness was significantly lower on C. gigas. The epibiota communities differed significantly between the two oyster species. The continued spread of C. gigas may potentially impact the epibiont biodiversity associated with oyster species in Strangford Lough. Management strategies should prevent sustained population expansion and associated changes in colonisation habitat.
Citation
Guy , C , Blight , A , Smyth , D & Roberts , D 2018 , ' The world is their oyster : differences in epibiota on sympatric populations of native Ostrea edulis and non-native Crassostrea gigas ( Magallana gigas ) oysters ' , Journal of Sea Research , vol. 140 , pp. 52-58 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seares.2018.07.002
Publication
Journal of Sea Research
Status
Peer reviewed
ISSN
1385-1101Type
Journal article
Description
This research was funded by the Department of Learning (DEL) and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for Northern Ireland (DARDNI).Collections
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