Burrowing shrimp, sediment, and oyster outplant data Washington State, USA
Description
This dataset provides empirical data on Burrowing shrimp density, sediment properties, and oyster survival and size from estuarine sites in Washington State, USA. Our goal was to evaluate the effects of sediment burial by burrowing shrimp (Neotrypaea californiensis) on sediment properties within estuarine sites and Pacific oyster (Magallana gigas) survival and growth In Washington States outercoats estuaries. We used three approaches: 1) we implemented an oyster outplant study to quantify the effects of burrowing shrimp on sediment properties and their effects on oyster performance through direct and indirect pathways, 2) we quantified the relationship between mud content and shrimp density on abandoned and persistent shellfish aquaculture beds, 3) we examined how much sediment is ejected from shrimp burrows by comparing the volume of entrapped sediment ejected from shrimp burrows, from within a shrimp bed but not over burrows, and in areas where shrimp were removed.
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5-core shrimp sampling methodology: Multiple small-diameter cores were used to generate a single sample of shrimp density (“5-core sample”). At each sample position, we cored 5 points within 1 m2. The core was constructed of stainless steel (13 cm diameter, 36 cm long) with an attached handle, so several pulls were required per point to reach the target depth of 70 cm into the sediment. The sediment removed from each core was manually spread out to search for shrimp, which provide a vibrant yellow-pink contrast to sediment. Total shrimp counts can then be scaled to shrimp 1m2 by multiplying by 16. Cultch outplant methodology: 10 pieces of seeded cultch were tethered to 30 cm long pvc pipes using 30-40 cm pieces of braided fishing line. PVC pipes were then anchored into the sediment by pushing the pipe into the substrate until the pipe was flush with the surface. the average number and size of oysters on cultch were measured to generate an average prior to installation. Ejected/deposited sediment volume methodology: Sediment volumes were determined by placing a circular piece of cloth with a centralized hole over the opening of shrimp burrows. Then a 3" pvc tube (30 cm long) was inserted into the sediment half way over the top of the cloth. This was repeated in areas of the shrimp bed, but not over burrows, and within areas where shrimp had been mechanically removed. mesh was attached to the top of each pvc tube incase the ensure that we did not lose any cloth that might have dislodged during the 24h period.