Which attributes of restored oyster reefs provide the best habitat for sportfish?

Abstract Introduction Restoration practitioners seek to restore oyster ecosystems as habitat designed for species targeted by recreational fisheries, but they require information on which specific habitat parameters of oyster reefs are preferred by fish. Objectives We evaluated the use of restored oyster reefs with a diverse suite of design characteristics (i.e. substrates, depths, and rugosities) by common recreational fisheries species and other fishes that occupy similar habitats. We quantified (1) broad‐scale site fidelity of fishes at restored reefs, (2) fish association with particular reefs made from substrates including oyster shell, river rock, limestone, concrete rubble, and mixed shell and concrete poles, and (3) the influence of reef rugosity, edges, and depth on fish preference. Methods Fish movements were tracked using surgically implanted transmitters and monitoring their positions using an array of acoustic receivers at restored reefs with different characteristics. Results Oyster shell or limestone deployed with high rugosity was preferred by sportfish instead of concrete rubble, river rock, and low rugosity reefs. Red drum ( Sciaenops ocellatus ) preferred shallower reefs (0.5 m) and Black drum ( Pogonias cromis ) preferred deeper reefs (1.0 m). Substrate type has the greatest influence on fish locations followed by depth, then rugosity. Reefs with high perimeter to area ratio may also enhance habitat with fishes most often found associated with reef edges rather than the center of reefs or surrounding sand. Conclusions Restoration practitioners can incorporate these design elements to enhance oyster habitat for recreational fisheries.