Graduate Thesis Or Dissertation
 

Shell Boring Polychaetes and the Oregon Oyster Aquaculture Industry: Spatial Distribution, Regulatory Actions, and Stakeholder Engagement

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https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/graduate_thesis_or_dissertations/nz806657t

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  • Shell-boring polychaetes pose economic risks for oyster aquaculture industries as they reduce the aesthetic quality of oyster products by creating unsightly mud-filled blisters on the inside of the shell. Recently there has been a reported uptick in infested oysters on commercial farms along the west coast of the US, which may be due to a new introduction of worms or changes in environmental conditions. Quantifying the spatial distribution of shell-boring polychaetes and determining host impacts are pertinent to help the region’s multimillion-dollar industry defend against this emerging threat. In 2019–2021, we obtained over 800 oysters from seven farms spanning the Oregon coast (Tillamook Bay, Netarts Bay, Yaquina Bay, and Coos Bay) and observed a statewide infection rate of 11–31% over the four sampling seasons. For each season, Netarts Bay had the highest prevalence of infestation by mud blister worms and infested oysters exhibited smaller shell length and reduced tissue mass. We did not observe any seasonal differences in the prevalence of infestation. Oysters cultivated off-bottom exhibited lower prevalence of infestation in comparison to oysters grown on-bottom. Results from this study will help inform shellfish regulations and improve resource management actions to reduce the economic impacts of shell-boring polychaetes. This study also extends beyond regulatory agencies and reaches other segments of the oyster aquaculture industry, including producers and consumers.
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  • Pending Publication
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  • 2021-09-06 to 2023-02-02

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