A multi-tiered assessment of fish community responses to habitat restoration in a coastal lagoon

Essential fish habitat is critical for foraging, breeding, or as refugia. As such, restoration of these habitats has the potential to increase diversity and abundance fishes. Here, we explored how communities responded in first 12-24 mo following oyster reef restoration. Study sites included 8 restored reefs plus 4 live dead controls. Oyster metrics (e.g. density, height, thickness) were quantified, including species richness, Shannon diversity, Simpson’s Pielou’s evenness. Species composition was further identify indicator assess preferences. Patterns community compared discern what characteristics best predict diversity. Results showed that intertidal structurally shifted from resembling negative control positive within mo. Across all treatment types, shell height thickness predictors However, at level, assemblages similar those Species-level analyses suggest types have unique species, Chilomycterus schoepfi (striped burrfish) reefs, Lutjanus synagris (lane snapper) Gobiosoma robustum (code goby) reefs. This work suggests fishes can be used higher trophic level indicators success, ecosystem-based approaches, such restoration, restore essential habitat, thus benefiting while moving coastal ecosystems toward sustainability.