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Research Publications: UM-SG-RS-2020-08
Title:
The role of ecosystem services in the decision to grow oysters: A Maryland case studyYear:
2020Authors:
Michaelis, AK; Walton, WC; Webster, DW; Shaffer, LJSource:
Aquaculture 529DOI:
10.1016/j.aquaculture.2020.735633Abstract:
Ecosystem services provided by oysters are regularly cited to gain support for the continued development of oyster aquaculture, but we have limited understanding of whether and how these benefits influence those who grow oysters. Participant observation and semi-structured interviews occurred with 57 oyster growers in Maryland (United States) to detail factors motivating entry into the oyster aquaculture industry. Results, framed under a lens of ecosystem services, indicate that cultural services are more likely to motivate aquaculture participation than provisioning, regulating or supporting services. This study emphasizes the significance of cultural ecosystem services and defines the need to better understand those provided by oysters and other farmed shellfish. A more complete description of the ecosystem services provided through shellfish aquaculture could serve to enhance support of farmed shellfisheries. In addition, this participatory approach highlights challenges within the ecosystem services framework regarding linked services and their complexity.Related Research Project(s) Funded by Maryland Sea Grant:
'Related Research Project(s)' link to details about research projects funded by Maryland Sea Grant that led to this publication. These details may include other impacts and accomplishments resulting from the research.
'Maryland Sea Grant Topic(s)' links to related pages on the Maryland Sea Grant website.
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Featured Fellow
Leone Yisrael is a cephalopod-loving scuba diver, cook, and loves to try new activities. She conducts genetic analysis and fieldwork at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center through the Coastal Disease Ecology Lab.
Featured Research Project
Developing a habitat model for mysids, an important link in Chesapeake Bay food webs
Mysids are important mesozooplankton prey for many species of fish in Chesapeake Bay and are an important link in transferring energy from lower to upper trophic levels. Mysids also serve as biological vectors for benthic-pelagic coupling due to their diel vertical migration and omnivorous prey-switching behavior, which makes mysids important regulators of food web architecture. Despite their central role in coastal food webs, surprisingly little is known about mysid ecology and dynamics in Chesapeake Bay.
