Response of Estuarine Fish to Large‐Scale Oyster Reef Restoration

Restoration of oyster reefs is increasing worldwide due to oyster populations reaching historic lows and recognition of the many ecosystem services provided by oyster reefs, such as essential fish habitat. This study took advantage of an existing network of subtidal oyster reefs and a large‐scale oyster reef restoration effort in Pamlico Sound, North Carolina, to (1) compare estuarine fish assemblages on oyster reefs with those on unstructured bottom, (2) identify the short‐term change in fish abundance and richness in response to reef creation, and (3) identify spatiotemporal trends in fish abundance and richness. We quantified transient and reef fish using gill nets and fish traps, respectively. Oyster reefs harbored more unique species than unstructured bottom, thereby enhancing the overall diversity of estuarine fish assemblages. Fish abundance on recently created experimental reefs (6–8 months postconstruction) was similar to that on control reefs that were 4–6 years old, suggesting rapid colonization of new reefs. Fish diversity at 1 of 2 sites actually decreased on control reefs after reef construction, suggesting that rapid colonization of new reefs was due, in part, to the movement of fish from old to new reefs. Information on the distribution, abundance, and diversity of estuarine fish in relation to restored oyster reefs will improve our understanding of oyster reefs as essential fish habitat.