ABSI Ph.D. students Emily Fuqua and Adam Alfasso assessing the integrity of biodegradable poultry wire for use in future restoration experiments within Apalachicola Bay. 

The Apalachicola Bay System Initiative

Newsletter - July 2023

ABSI Science and Restoration Experiments

The purpose of the ABSI hatchery is to produce oysters for restoration, so we need to understand how well the hatchery oysters survive and grow in different parts of the Bay.  Additionally, FSU is studying how best to deploy these hatchery-raised oysters so they aren’t lost to currents and or buried by sediments. We also wish to avoid putting more plastic in the environment, so we are trying different biodegradable options for containing the oysters. 

ABSI began a series of experiments in April 2023 with two separate deployments, one using adult oysters and the other spat-on-shell. These projects are designed to monitor the growth and survival of cultured oysters, and the subsequent wild recruitment on these oysters across Apalachicola Bay. Additionally, the degradation rates of two types of material (biodegradable mesh bags and poultry wire) will be assessed to identify the best material. The study will continue for 15 months, with quarterly monitoring. 

Ten study sites were chosen across Apalachicola Bay (four in West Bay and six in East Bay). These sites were paired with active water quality monitoring stations that will help examine the relationship between growth and survival of cultured oysters and the surrounding physical environment. 

To differentiate cultured oysters from wild recruitment, the adult oysters were tagged with tiny clay discs, and the spat were stained using calcein dye. This non-toxic dye is incorporated into the oyster shells so researchers know which spat are from the hatchery and which are wild set.  

Our first sampling was conducted last week and the ABSI team is currently analyzing the data – stay tuned for updates.  

ABSI Volunteer and Directed Individual Study (DIS) student Iliza Aguiar adhering color coded clay beads to individual oysters. 

ABSI technician Jazzy Jones preparing calcein dyed spat- on-shell oysters for deployment in biodegradable (orange) bags.

Jazzy deploying the spat-on- shell oysters along Dry Bar.

ABOVE: Dr. Stewart Merrill, Nate and Stella all looking through dissecting microscopes for parasites in oyster gonads (Nate) and snail gonads (Dr. Stewart Merrill and Stella).

LEFT TOP: Stella and Nate preparing snail dissection.

LEFT BOTTOM: Miaohan prepping samples before taking a mantle clipping.

The CAB is exploring ways for a new group to stay connected to the project after this year and help implement elements of its Restoration and Management Plan Framework adopted in November 2021. The CAB met on May 31st at the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve (ANERR). The meeting began with a CAB work plan presentation from Jeff Blair. It was then followed by an ABSI Science Update from Dr. Sandra Brooke which highlighted the recent oyster reef restoration experiments and preliminary findings.

Next, members received an update on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) Restoration project from Devin Resko (FWC) and finally, a presentation from Dusty May of the BaySavers Group on flow from Lake Wimico. The rest of the meeting was spent focused on prioritizing strategies as the CAB works to finalize its Apalachicola Bay Restoration and Management Plan Framework. Once completed in November, the CAB will officially transition to a new group where the primary function will focus on implementing the plan. This will entail working with agencies, such as the FWC, and regional stakeholders to ensure oyster restoration, monitoring, and management are done successfully for a viable fishery in the future.

Coming up on August 9th is the next CAB Meeting, as well as another open Community Workshop from 6:00 - 8:00 pm in the ANERR Multi-purpose room.

ABSI strives to be transparent and to make the project's information and communications easily accessible and understandable. Please let us know how we can improve our communications, or if you have any suggestions on how to best reach members within our local community. Email Outreach Coordinator Maddie Mahood at mmahood@fsu.edu.

The entire history of the deliberations from each of the 27 meetings (22 CAB meetings and 4 Oystermen's Workshops) since March 2020, including copies of all presentations and meeting recordings, are available on the ABSI Community Advisory Board website.

CAB Meeting: August 9th, 8:30am - 2:30pm -- ANERR Multi-Purpose Room

This meeting will be held in-person at the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve (ANERR) facility in Eastpoint.

Members of the public are encouraged to attend and listen in. A public Zoom option is available below. There is room for public comment at the end of each meeting.

Meeting Agenda https://fsu.zoom.us/j/97269125653

Community Workshop: August 9th, 6:00pm - 8:00pm -- ANERR Multi-Purpose Room

Meeting Agenda