Differences in resident prey survival on newly created shell and established natural intertidal oyster reefs

Established natural oyster reefs historically provide a three‐dimensionally complex habitat utilized by variety of resident and transient species, but newly created designed to counter the loss initially may lack similar complexity. The loosely stacked shells little resemble vertically interconnected live dead shell matrix typical older reefs. Reduced complexity on alter predator–prey dynamics negatively affect ecological functions typically associated with We examined select physical characteristics (e.g. morphology) short‐term survival reef‐resident prey determine if differences exist between (<1‐year‐old bags) established intertidal in South Carolina. Shell differed consistently reefs, greater numbers smaller lighter found However, crabs (Panopeid sp.) mussels ( Geukensia demissa ) generally was not dependent reef type. few instances were either inconsistent expected results, assuming reduced or supported effect size analyses. Evidence indicates that adding bags create environments almost immediately increases species existing leads rapid return major ecosystem service coastal