De novo reefs: Fish habitat provision by oyster aquaculture varies with farming method

Aquaculture industries have the capacity to produce positive ecosystem service benefits, such as provision of habitat wild animals. Oyster cultivation is oldest and largest aquaculture industry in south-eastern Australia. spat are grown marketable size rack-and-rail (‘racks’) or longline-and-basket (‘baskets’) configurations, which add structure estuarine waters. This study assessed: (1) how fish communities associated with oyster farms vary production method; (2) utilise infrastructure, compared adjacent natural habitats; (3) whether infrastructure can serve de facto reefs by supporting similar communities. Remote underwater video surveys, conducted during summer winter 2 years, revealed that observations species richness were generally greater for rack than basket cultivation. Both types supported at least many habitats, including reef, seagrass, mangrove bare sediment. Fish were, general, most between racks baskets dissimilar sediments. otherwise limited habitats oysters, unique harvested observed more frequently racks. use oyster-growing foraging shelter mirrored biogenic habitats. Overall, this suggests support composition those although dependent on farming method. Ecosystem services provided should be considered enhancement, conservation restoration.