Nonnative oysters in the Chesapeake Bay / Committee on Nonnative Oysters in the Chesapeake Bay, Ocean Studies Board, Division on Earth and Life Studies, National Research Council of the National Academies
Executive summary -- Introduction and overview -- Background on introduced species -- Oyster biology -- Social and economic value of oysters in the Chesapeake Bay -- History and current status of restoring native oyster reefs in the Chesapeake Bay -- Oyster aquaculture -- Regulatory framework for managing proposed introductions -- Elements of risk assessment for the introduction of Crassostrea ariakensis in the Chesapeake Bay -- Decision making and recommendations for future research -- References -- Appendixes
Summary
Nonnative Oysters in the Chesapeake Bay discusses the proposed plan to offset the dramatic decline in the bay's native oysters by introducing disease-resistant reproductive Suminoe oysters from Asia. It suggests this move should be delayed until more is known about the environmental risks, even though carefully regulated cultivation of sterile Asian oysters in contained areas could help the local industry and researchers. It is also noted that even though these oysters eat the excess algae caused by pollution, it could take decades before there are enough of them to improve water quality
Notes
"Supported by a contract between the National Academies and the following entities: Contract No. 50-DGNA-1-90024 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Contract No. 50-DGNA-1-90024 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Cooperative Agreement No. 50181-2-J030 from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Grant from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Purchase Order No. D227024-4 from the Virginia Sea Grant, Grant No. NA070Z0136-01 from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Grant No. SA7293808L. SA7528018F from the Maryland Sea Grant, and Purchase Order No. D227024-4 from the Connecticut Sea Grant"--Page ii
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages 249-281)