Restoration Plan

 

of 40%: Baggett et al.
2015).3;

2.) Cover of oysters and
other sessile benthic
invertebrates: an upward
trend in the cover of
sessile benthic
invertebrates growing on
restoration units; and

3.) Establishment of
stable biogenic matrix:
structural rigidity of
oyster restoration units,
denoting a stable biogenic
matrix after 3 years post
deployment, which is
sufficient to hold oyster
shells in place.

shells per unit) and the density
and size of recruits recorded;

2.) Cover of oysters and other
sessile benthic invertebrates:
photographs of ten quadrats
(25 cm x 25cm), distributed in
a stratified random design,
across each oyster reef
restoration unit will be taken
at regular intervals to quantify
the change in cover of oysters
and other sessile benthic
invertebrates (Baggett et al.
2015)",

3.) Establishment of stable
biogenic matrix: assess the
structural integrity of each
oyster reef restoration unit and
monitor the degradation of
coir material, Structural
integrity will be quantified by
measuring the proportion of
oyster shells (from 10 shells
that are selected at random at
each location), which can be
removed easily by hand
manipulation. The rate of coir
degradation will be measured
by monitoring changes to the
condition of coir mesh over
time from the ten photo-
quadrats, which are collected
twice per year to assess
changes in the cover of benthic
invertebrates at each oyster
reef restoration unit.

lf major damage occurs to the coir
mesh of any oyster reef restoration
units before a stable biogenic matrix
has formed, and loose oyster shells
are being lost from the structure, it
will be repaired in-situ by hand
weaving. Any such repairs will be
conducted carefully, and by hand, to
ensure that there is no damage to
established areas of biogenic

matrix.

 

_3. Community use and enjoyment of the declared Fish Habitat Area _

   

 

 

Oyster restoration units
do not significantly impair
community use and
enjoyment of the
declared Fish Habitat
Area, particularly fishing
activities,

 

Maintain records of
community feedback, evidence
of vandalism, and vessel strikes
on the trial oyster reef
restoration units, Records will
be comprehensive and include,
as a minimum set:

1) the number and type of
complaint$fecelved; %9

2) the type, nature, and
severity of any acts of wilful
vandalism; and

3) the type and severity of any
vessel strike.

 

Annual
reporting of
all
complaints,
cases of
wilful
vandalism,
and
instances of
vessel strike
received for
the three-
year trial
period.

Complaints: within 3 months of
receiving each complaint, an
investigation (including interview
with the complainant if possible)
will be conducted to determine
whether complaints are directly
related to oyster reef restoration
units. Potential responsé
aclhions
tg the department

IA HE annuot'Repe

4“. lf complaints persist, and
grievances exceed the direct benefit
of oyster reef restoration, the

 

will be provided
OF Aauicc te. a Fisheries

as

 

 

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