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I am interested in marine fisheries ecology in the broad sense, with a particularly strong interest in population dynamics, life history characteristics, and essential fish habitat. The goal of my current research is two-fold: (1) assess larval settlement (recruitment), quantify vital rates and model spatially explicit population dynamics in both existing and proposed eastern oyster (Crassotrea virginica) broodstock sanctuaries and (2) to couple the biological component with a physical model that simulates larval dispersal envelopes. Oysters have supported important commercial fisheries for over a century and have also been classified as keystone species due to their potential to affect water column processes (filtration) and provide essential habitat. Unfortunately, trends of population decline are ubiquitous along the east and Gulf coasts due to overharvesting, habitat disturbance, pollution and more recently prevalence of disease and poor water quality. Recent restoration efforts in NC have focused on the establishment of broodstock (spawning) sanctuaries. Yet, little is known about the population dynamics of the sanctuaries or the potential of sanctuaries to subsidize (in the form of larval dispersal) other oyster sub-populations. The coupling of a bio-physical model will provide the perfect impetus to investigate the population dynamics of oyster sanctuaries in a metapopulation (source-sink) framework. Ultimately, my research will aid in determining whether existing oyster sanctuaries are sufficiently numbered and placed to restore the North Carolina oyster population. In a more general sense, my research will enhance previous knowledge regarding metapopulation dynamics, the potential for sanctuaries (MPAs) to stimulate regional population growth, and oyster restoration.
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