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Subtidal oystersShort descriptionSubtidal oysters growing on unconsolidated substrates. Disclaimer: Ecosystem type descriptions are based on biophysical attributes identified in Central Queensland through expert advice and supported by scientific literature. Not all ecosystem types are mapped based on current inventory, and many of the ecosystems described here may also occur in other parts of Queensland.
Classification categoriesSelect from the links below to view related ecosystem type categories Long descriptionSubtidal oysters growing on unconsolidated substrates, and unconsolidated boulders and gravel (i.e. cobbles, pebbles etc. including rubble) and potentially also on sands and muds. Historically, subtidal oyster reefs of the rock oyster Saccostrea glomerata were reported as deep as eight metres. Being filter feeders, oysters are vulnerable to changes in water quality. Surrounding catchment landuse can impact on them, and they become vulnerable to diseases, biotoxins and bacterial contamination. The likely ecosystem-forming species, their current status and reasons for their decline in Australia are well documented[1]. Other non-commercial reef-forming oysters include the slipper oyster Isognomon ephippium. Special valuesValued for aquaculture for edible oysters (including their spat, i.e. larval juveniles ready to settle on consolidated substrate) and pearl oysters. Historically an important dredge and hand fishery and aquaculture from southern Queensland to Victoria. Evidence of indigenous use is present in middens (S. glomerata, I. Ephippium). Other ecosystem services include water quality treatment, fish production, blue carbon and coastal protection. Artificial shellfish reefs are being advocated as a water quality treatment system, as they filter suspended sediment and plankton from the water column (for a list of ecosystem services see Treatment systems-Shellfish reefs and type 118). Shellfish ecosystems are listed in the Ramsar convention as an ecosystem type[1]. Diagnostic attributesInundation 'Subtidal' Structural macrobiota 'Mollusc – oysters' Consolidation - 'Unconsolidated' 'Intermediate' or 'Unknown' QualifiersAlthough unmapped, the Naturalness qualifier is relevant to the Consolidation attribute as subtidal oyster ecosystems can include introduced structures (e.g. longlines, panels and cages for pearl oysters, and racks and trays for rock oysters, and shell and cages for artificial shellfish reefs). Modified Naturalness of Structural macrobiota applies to introduced species e.g. Japanese Akoya pearl oysters and Pinctada maxima. There are biosecurity issues associated with introduced species. See Comments below regarding predators and diseases. DistributionIn Queensland, Australia, and Worldwide, , oyster reefs are reduced to a fraction of their previous extent through overfishing, destructive fishing practices such as dredging, water pollution and disease[2]. The following relates to distribution of this ecosystem type within the Central Queensland mapping area:
CommentsThis ecosystem type includes commercial species targeted for aquaculture, regulated by Fisheries Queensland for which guidelines are available. Predators include mudworm Polydora, oyster drill gastropod molluscs and QX disease, caused by the microscopic parasite Martieilia sydneyi. Gillies[1] highlight the need for work on the classification, mapping and management of shellfish ecosystems, and better quantification of their ecosystem services. Additional InformationShellfish reefs (treatment systems) - WetlandInfo Shellfish Reef Restoration Network Shellfish Reef Restoration in Pumicestone Passage - Restore Pumicestone Passage Rock oyster aquaculture - Queensland Government References
Last updated: 11 July 2019 This page should be cited as: Department of Environment, Science and Innovation, Queensland (2019) Subtidal oysters, WetlandInfo website, accessed 30 August 2024. Available at: https://wetlandinfo.des.qld.gov.au/wetlands/ecology/aquatic-ecosystems-natural/estuarine-marine/descriptions/64/ |