Effects of hypoxia on oyster growth and survival in Mobile Bay, AL

Project Leader: Dr. Ruth H. Carmichael

Project Details

This project seeks to guide and improve local oyster restoration and aquaculture projects by defining the effects of hypoxic stress on oyster physiology and, in turn, on oyster growth and survival. This work is novel in using N stable isotope ratios to detect physiological stress. This is an area of high promise for future studies. During the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill work was expanded to include assessment of oyster responses to oil exposure, including stress due to direct exposure to polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and changes in food supply and habitat quality. This project addresses management and research priorities for Mobile Bay that have been identified by the Gulf of Mexico Alliance, MS-AL Sea Grant Consortium, and NOAA.