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Native And Invasive Competitors Of The Eastern Oyster Crassostrea Virginica In Mosquito Lagoon, Florida, Michelle Boudreaux

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Populations of Crassostrea virginica within Mosquito Lagoon, Florida have recently undergone significant die-offs, which are a subject of major concern. Restoration efforts within Mosquito Lagoon are focusing on reconstructing the three-dimensional reef habitats. Before effective protocols can be established, however, important questions about the sources of juvenile and adult oyster mortality must be answered. Potential causes of Crassostrea virginica mortality in the Indian River Lagoon system include sediment loads, competition, predation, and disease. My research focused on the interactions between oysters and the competitors that may affect the settlement, growth, and survival of Crassostrea virginica. The four objectives of my …