Meeting Abstract
Boring sponges are bioeroders capable of tunneling through carbonate substrates by chemical dissolution and chipping. They have adversely affected oyster aquaculture and subtidal reef restoration along the east coast by fouling oyster clutch, eroding reef structures, and killing oysters. Previous studies describing the life history of boring sponges suggest a strong influence of temperature on sponge growth and reproduction. However, responses of growth and gamete production to temperature differ between temperate and tropical systems, suggesting possible location and species-specific variations. No work has been done yet to examine the species, life histories, and distribution of boring sponges in Mosquito Lagoon, a subtropical estuarine system and location of many successful oyster restoration projects. Recently, due to sea level rise and storm-associated high water events, both restored and natural reefs in Mosquito Lagoon have been submerged for longer time periods and are now showing signs of boring sponge infection. Once infected, shell clusters break off and wash up on reefs (64% of loose clusters on reefs restored before 2010 were infected; 13% on newer restored reefs; 46% on natural reefs). Surveys show that boring sponge primarily occurs on the deeper seaward edges of reefs, and loose clusters with signs of boring sponge activity tend to be larger and incorporate more live oysters than uninfected clusters. This work aims to assess the expected synergistic impact of boring sponge and boat wakes on intertidal oyster reef restoration by determining the breaking strength of infected oyster shell. Coupled with life history studies, this work will inform oyster restoration improvements aimed at prolonging reef lifespan and serve as a model for reef restoration in subtropical areas affected by boring sponge.
