Monitoring of alternate substrate oyster reefs constructed by USACE. The primary purpose of USACE oyster restoration efforts is to construct oyster reef substrate to provide a suitable foundation for hatchery-grown oyster spat. Oyster reefs to be monitored have been constructed in at the Cook Point Sanctuary within the lower Choptank River. Oyster reefs have been constructed using granite and mixed shell.
The objectives of this monitoring are:(1)Evaluate the oyster population [growth (size distribution), survival (density), and spat set (reproduction)] on alternate substrate reefs at Cook Point in the Choptank River, and (2)Evaluate whether and how the following design variables have affected reef performance: (a)Substrate material, and (b)Reef height.

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