太平洋牡蛎人工培育群体的基因型及杂合度研究

实验运用淀粉凝胶电泳的方法检测了１龄养殖太平洋牡蛎Ｃｒａｓｏｓｔｒｅａｇｉｇａｓ５个基因座位上的基因型和杂合度。根据孟德尔自由分离规律,从子代的基因型推断出亲代可能的基因。杂合度的分析表明,人工培育的１龄太平洋牡蛎在Ａａｔ２、Ａｈ１、Ａｈ２、Ｉｄｈ１和Ｌａｐ５个多态位点上的杂合度符合Ｈ－Ｗ平衡规律,未发现明显的杂合子缺失现象。     

非整倍体太平洋牡蛎的存活、生长与性腺发育

在二倍体与四倍体杂交产生的三倍体牡蛎群中检测到了非整倍体 ,其中 3n± 1非整倍体相对于三倍体的存活率为 6 0 .98%。非整倍体牡蛎作为一个群体 ,其生长与其三倍体同胞在体重上无明显差异 ,且与三倍体一样明显大于其二倍体对照组。非整倍体牡蛎的性腺发育情况与三倍体个体相当 ,也能产生成熟的生殖细胞     

Culture environment and hatchery of origin influence growth,condition and feeding organ morphology in the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas in South Africa

South Africa lacks a commercial oyster hatchery. To inform the sourcing of seed for future hatchery establishments, we compared half-sib Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas cohorts from hatcheries in Namibia and Chile. We measured oyster growth, mortality, condition and feeding organ morphology in Algoa Bay (AB, Eastern Cape) and Saldanha Bay (SB, Western Cape), South Africa, from July 2011 to June 2012. Within SB, 14.3% of mean daily sea temperatures exceeded this species’ thermal optimum of 19 °C, compared to 50.5% in AB. Food abundance (mean daily chlorophyll a concentration) in SB (7.8 mg m^–3) was double that in AB (3.9 mg m^–3) where, presumably to increase particle clearance rates in a relatively phytoplankton-poor environment, oysters had larger gill:palp surface area ratios. Plankton fatty acid profiles (indicators of food quality) differed between locations. In AB, instantaneous growth rates differed between cohorts, and trends varied seasonally. Within both locations, condition index was usually higher in Chilean oysters, whereas shell density was higher in Namibian oysters. In AB only, Chilean seed suffered substantially higher summer mortalities than Namibian seed, suggesting that the latter are more suited to temperatures in AB. AB should also be assessed for culture of the indigenous oyster species that occur there.     

福建太平洋牡蛎种群微卫星DNA分析

本文采用Ucdcg153、157、202微卫星引物对福建两个太平洋牡蛎(学名为长牡蛎Crassostrea gigas)养殖种群进行扩增分析和序列测定.与采自漳浦旧镇的近江牡蛎(C. ariakensis)比较,前者对以上三种引物全部呈阳性反应,后者只对Ucdcg157显阳性.与Genebank提供的相关序列比较,福建太平洋牡蛎与Genebank样品应属同源,其中漳浦霞美和厦门白礁的样品则可能代表同一种群的两个衍生品系.本项调查结果同时显示,近亲繁殖的育苗方式已经导致福建太平洋牡蛎种群裂化;任其发展不利于维护良种优势.本次采集的样品中未发现显示葡萄牙牡蛎、熊本牡蛎和美洲牡蛎微卫星特征的个体.     

培育密度和投饵量对长牡蛎壳黑选育品系幼虫生长存活及附着变态的影响

为探究长牡蛎(Crassostrea gigas)壳黑选育品系规模化繁育适宜的培育密度和投饵量,本研究以长牡蛎野生群体幼虫为对照组,分析了不同培育密度(3、7和15个/mL)和不同初始投饵量(0.4、0.8和1.6×10~3cells·ind^-1·d^-1)对长牡蛎壳黑选育品系幼虫生长、存活及附着的影响。研究显示,培育密度和投饵量对长牡蛎幼虫的生长速率、存活率和附着率有显著交互作用(P<0.05)。在培育密度3和7个/mL实验组,长牡蛎幼虫生长速率随投饵量增加而显著增大(P<0.05),并在培育密度7个/mL、投饵量1.6×10~3cells·ind^-1·d^-1实验组达到最大值。而在培育密度15个/mL实验组,投饵量增加对长牡蛎幼虫的生长速率无显著影响(P> 0.05)。且在培育密度15个/mL、投饵量1.6×10~3cells·ind^-1·d^-1实验组长牡蛎壳黑品系幼虫存活率和附着率最低。但在培育密度15个/mL实验组长牡蛎壳黑选育品系幼虫的壳高始终高于野生群体幼虫。且除投饵量0.4×10~3cells·ind^-1·d^-1实验组外,长牡蛎壳黑选育品系幼虫生长速率、存活率和附着率均高于野生群体幼虫。研究结果表明,长牡蛎壳黑选育品系幼虫最适培育条件为培育密度7个/mL、投饵量1.6×10~3cells·ind^-1·d^-1,增加投饵量可促进长牡蛎幼虫生长,但过高的培育密度会与投饵量产生拮抗作用,抑制幼虫生长,不利于幼虫存活和附着。与长牡蛎野生群体相比,壳黑选育品系幼虫能适应更高的培育密度环境,在饵料充足的条件下,其幼虫的生长、存活及附着性状均优于野生群体。     

Seasonal variation in the reproductive activity and biochemical composition of the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) from the Marlborough Sounds,New Zealand

Reproductive cycles of the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg) from the Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand, were followed between June 1998 and January 2000. Histological examination of the gonad confirms an annual cycle with a winter inactive period followed by rapid gonad development and a single short spawning period. The population gonad index correlated with seawater temperature and changes in tissue dry weight, condition index, and biochemical components. In winter, few individuals with early gametogenic stages were present and rapid development of primary oocytes (diam. 11 μm) occurred during spring (September‐November). The developmental rate and the diameter of mature oocytes (37 μm) was similar for the 1998 and 1999 seasons. For a standard 110‐mm‐length oyster, maximal tissue body weight and condition index were recorded in December. Rapid weight loss in January was length dependent and was attributed to spawning. Temperature was the environmental variable which best correlated with the timing of gametogenesis. Food availability (phytoplankton biomass) may have been responsible for inter‐annual variations. The biochemical composition (% glycogen, lipid, protein) of separated gonad and somatic tissues were variable seasonally and annually. Gametogenesis (oocyte diameter) was associated with increased gonad protein and glycogen and a decrease in lipid concentrations. These changes are similar to those in Pacific oyster populations from other parts of the world.     

Scales of recruitment variability in warming waters: Comparing native and introduced oysters in Hood Canal,Washington, USA

The effect of climate change on natural oyster recruitment has the potential to disrupt many of the ecosystem services oysters provide. Due to the temperature‐sensitivity of reproduction, oyster recruitment may shift as water temperatures rise. A biological imprint of climate change was revealed in a multi‐decadal time series of recruitment of non‐native Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) in the main stem of Hood Canal, Washington, USA, extracted from historic fishery documents. Water in July and August warmed significantly from 1945 to 1995 (0.028 ± 0.004°C per year [±SE]) and accounted for an increase in Pacific oyster recruitment (7% per year, 0.028 ± 0.006 spat per year on log scale [±SE]); recruitment also strongly tracked inter‐annual variability in summer water temperature. Methods used to collect historical data were repeated in 2013–2015 when recruitment of both Pacific oysters and native Olympia oysters (Ostrea lurida) were recorded in main stem and lower Hood Canal. Both historic and modern data show large variation within and between years for temperature as well as recruitment. The modern data add information regarding spatial variation, in that recruitment patterns in the two regions of Hood Canal were decoupled. As temperatures continue to increase, non‐native Pacific oysters are likely to be favored over Olympia oysters, which recruit earlier at lower temperatures and presently contribute less than half of total oyster recruits. Future recruitment, however, may be limited by environmental factors other than temperature, a point indicated particularly in Hood Canal where many subtidal species already respond strongly to gradients in dissolved oxygen.     

基于表层及温跃层环境变量的南太平洋长鳍金枪鱼栖息地适应性指数模型比较

为了量化比较海表层环境及温跃层环境对南太平洋长鳍金枪鱼渔场分布的影响程度;本研究采用2010-2012年南太平洋长鳍金枪鱼延绳钓渔船实际生产统计数据;结合卫星遥感所获取的海表面温度（sea surface temperature;SST）和海表面高度（sea surface height;SSH）数据以及Argo浮标所获取的温跃层上、下界水温和深度数据;运用外包络法分别构建了基于海表层环境变量、温跃层上界环境变量以及温跃层下界环境变量的3种栖息地适应性指数（habitat suitability index;HSI）模型。模型验证结果显示;基于海表层环境变量的HSI模型;HSI>0.6时所占产量比重为70.04%;投钩数量比重为70.86%;HSI>0.8时所占产量比重为24.92%;投钩数量比重为25.79%;基于温跃层上界环境变量的HSI模型;HSI>0.6时所占产量比重为82.17%;投钩数量比重为80.95%;HSI>0.8时所占产量比重为33.24%;投钩数量比重为32.69%;基于温跃层下界环境变量的HSI模型;HSI>0.6时所占产量比重为81.01%;投钩数量比重为81.54%;HSI>0.8时所占产量比重为43.51%;投钩数量比重为43.73%。研究发现;基于温跃层上界和下界环境变量的两个HSI模型预报精度明显高于基于表层环境变量的HSI模型;且基于温跃层下界环境变量的HSI模型预报精度高于基于温跃层上界环境变量的HSI模型。研究结果表明;相较于海表层环境;温跃层环境;尤其是温跃层下界环境特征对南太平洋长鳍金枪鱼资源分布的影响更为显著。     

Saldanha Bay,South Africa III: new production and carrying capacity for bivalve aquaculture

Measurements of NH₄, NO₃, urea and HCO₃ uptake using 15N and 13C stable isotope tracers were undertaken in Saldanha Bay, South Africa, between January 2012 and January 2013. These studies provide the first direct measurements of N utilisation by the plankton in the bay. Primary production in the bay is driven predominantly by the advection of nutrients from the neighbouring shelf environment during upwelling events, with terrestrial and other sources providing minor inputs. New production (NO₃-based) was calculated from the f-ratio and total primary production and was used to provide estimates of potential carrying capacity for bivalve culture. Despite the apparent light limitation of NO3 uptake in the winter, the availability of NO₃ appeared to exert the major influence on new production throughout the year. In addition, new production was modulated by NH₄ availability as shown by the suppression of NO₃ uptake by concentrations higher than 1?1.5?mmol m^?3. The estimated areal new production of 0.60?g C m^?2 d^?1 yielded a bay-wide annual estimate of 9 811 t C ha^?1 y^?1, slightly higher than previous calculations based on physical models. It is estimated that the total annual production of mussels and oysters, respectively, for a 1 000-ha cultivation area is approximately 40 000–53 000 t y^?1 (mainly Mytilus galloprovincialis) and 4 600–6 000 t y^?1 (Crassotrea gigas). The combined total production figures constitute only 24–31% of the surplus new production. A combined harvestable carrying capacity of 74 000–82 000 t y^?1 can be calculated from this surplus. However, from a management and ecological perspective, bivalve culture should be limited to well below this theoretical maximum. Even with this constraint, there appears to be considerable scope for expansion of bivalve farming over the modest, present levels with little jeopardy to ecological integrity.     

长牡蛎新型模式识别受体CgLRRC69的克隆和功能鉴定

在双壳类软体动物中, 血淋巴细胞介导的吞噬作用是清除入侵微生物的主要方式。本文在长牡蛎中鉴定了一个包含富含亮氨酸重复序列(Leucine-rich repeat, LRR)结构域的新型基因, 命名为CgLRRC69。对该基因的组织分布分析表明, CgLRRC69 mRNA在血淋巴细胞、鳃、肌肉、外套膜、心脏、消化腺和性腺中广泛表达。副溶血弧菌感染可以显著地刺激CgLRRC69在血淋巴细胞中表达, 并且在感染后6h达到峰值。同时, 酶联免疫吸附实验发现CgLRRC69可以特异性结合脂多糖(lipopolysaccharide, LPS), 表明它可能在免疫防御中有功能。吞噬实验结果显示, CgLRRC69重组蛋白可以显著地提高血淋巴细胞的吞噬能力; RNAi干扰CgLRRC69在牡蛎体内的表达, 显著降低了血淋巴细胞对细菌的清除能力。因此, 这些结果揭示了CgLRRC69作为一种新型模式识别受体, 可以特异性识别革兰氏阴性菌的主要成分LPS, 通过调理作用有效地清除细菌。     

Observations and mechanisms of upwelling in the northern KwaZulu-Natal Bight,South Africa

New in situ time-series data were acquired by two ADCP moorings placed on the shelf off Richards Bay on the east coast of South Africa at depths of 25 m and 582 m between October 2009 and August 2010. The 11-month inshore bottom-temperature record revealed five substantial upwelling events lasting 5–10 days each where temperatures decreased by about 7 °C to 17–18 °C. Satellite sea surface temperature data showed these events to coincide with cold-water plumes occupying the northern wedge of the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Bight. Numerous shorter duration (1–2 days) upwelling events with less vivid surface expressions were also observed throughout the entire record where bottom temperature dropped by 2–3 °C. The last four months of the record were characterised by a protracted cool period lacking a seasonal trend but punctuated with oscillations of warm and cooler bottom water. In contrast to earlier studies that suggested upwelling was topographically and dynamically driven by the juxtaposition of the Cape St Lucia offset and the Agulhas Current (a solitary mechanism), our analysis showed almost all major and minor cold-water intrusions to coincide with upwelling-favourable north-easterly winds that simultaneously force a south-westerly coastal current. Ekman veering in the bottom boundary layer of the Agulhas Current, and the concomitant movement of cold water up the slope, was found to coexist at times with coastal upwelling, but its absence did not impede inshore cold-water intrusions, calling into question its role as a primary driver of upwelling. Both major and minor upwelling events were observed to promote phytoplankton blooms in the northern KZN Bight which commonly extended to the Thukela River. Wind-driven upwelling was also observed in the inner bight between Richards Bay and Port Durnford, explaining the ribbon of coastal chlorophyll continuously observed on ocean colour images between Cape St Lucia and the Thukela River. Similarities in upwelling character and mechanisms are observed between the northern KZN Bight and the Florida Current shelf systems.     

Tube-forming polychaetes enhance invertebrate diversity and abundance in sandy sediments of Mozambique,Africa

In marine soft-bottom systems, polychaetes can increase habitat complexity by constructing rigid tubes (e.g. several onuphid species) that contrast with surrounding topographically flat sediments. These structures can provide predation refuges and increase larval settlement and thereby increase the richness and abundance of fauna. We collected invertebrate samples from an intertidal flat with low onuphid tube density (2.7 m^–2) in Mozambique and document that more organisms (70 times higher mollusc abundances) and more species (15 times more mollusc species) were found associated with solitary tubes of an onuphid polychaete compared with surrounding sand habitats. These results are in agreement with tube versus sand comparisons from soft-bottom systems in the North Atlantic where polychaete tube densities are often much higher.     

基于AFLP技术的海南三亚野生和养殖牡蛎遗传多样性研究

2008年夏季,从海南三亚分别采集26份养殖牡蛎和32份野生牡蛎样品(1份样品代表1个体),开展扩增片断长度多态性(AFLP)和数量性状分析,采用POPGENE 32软件计算多态性位点百分率、遗传多样性指数、Hardy-Weinberg遗传偏离指数、群体遗传相似度和遗传距离。基于AFLP分析获得的遗传距离和线粒体细胞色素氧化酶I亚基(CO I)基因序列,采用邻接法构建养殖和野生牡蛎的系统发育树。结果表明,选择性引物对牡蛎品种具有较好的鉴别效率;相比养殖牡蛎,野生牡蛎多样性丰富、品种间同源性较低、亲缘关系相差较远、遗传基础较宽;通过CO I基因序列分析可知,养殖牡蛎均为香港巨牡蛎Crassostrea hongkongensis,而野生牡蛎属于囊牡蛎属Saccostrea,主要为僧帽牡蛎Saccostrea cucullata。目前海南三亚牡蛎种质资源多样性相对丰富,引种还未对三亚自然环境的牡蛎资源造成明显影响。     

Plant traits and spread of the invasive salt marsh grass,Spartina alterniflora Loisel., in the Great Brak Estuary,South Africa

Spartina alterniflora Loisel., widely recognised as an aggressive invader of estuaries and salt marshes around the world, was discovered growing in the temporarily open/closed Great Brak Estuary on the southern Cape coast of South Africa in 2004. This is the first record of this invasive plant in Africa as well as its first occurrence in an estuary that closes to the sea. Plant traits and sediment characteristics were measured in 2009 and 2011 and found to be comparable to those reported elsewhere. Prior to the 2011 sampling, S. alterniflora stands had been flooded for almost eight months. As a result, sediment redox potential (?268 + 4 mV) was significantly lower in 2011. Sediments were mostly clay in 2009 (71 ± 0.01%) compared to a predominance of sand in 2011 (40 ± 0.02%). These differences were related to the artificial breaching of the estuary one month prior to sampling in March 2011. The grass currently occupies 1.1 ha in the salt marsh, sandflat and mudflat habitats of the estuary where its cover is expanding at a rate of 0.162 ha y^?1. Individual stands numbered about 12 in 2006, but have increased to 24 in 2011. These stands are expanding laterally at 0.9 m y^?1 although the long period of inundation during 2010 reduced this to 0.6 m y^?1. Expansion is due to vegetative spread as an analysis of the sediment seed bank showed no S. alterniflora seeds and very few salt marsh seeds (1 132 seeds m^?2). If left unchecked, S. alterniflora has the potential to replace 42.9 ha or 41% of the total estuary habitat in the Great Brak Estuary, but also has the potential to invade other estuaries in South Africa, especially those with extensive intertidal habitat and containing S. maritima (19 estuaries in total). This study illustrates the adaptive potential of this invasive marsh plant and indicates the possibility of invasion in seasonally closed estuaries in other locations around the world.     

Stable isotope and chemical composition of pearls: Biomineralization in cultured pearl oysters in ago bay, Japan

The δ¹⁸O, δ¹³C and trace element composition of pearls collected from Ago Bay, Japan, were investigated in order to evaluate biomineralization in the cultured pearl oyster (Pinctada fucata martensii). The oxygen isotopic data suggest that the pearls were produced around 23–24°C, mainly in June to early July, which is consistent with their occurrence in the field. Therefore the pearls were produced under or close to isotopic equilibrium conditions, although they showed high calcification rates (higher than 0.2–1.0 g cm^{− 2}yr⁻¹) under which, for example, coral skeletons (calcification rate ∼0.28 g cm^{− 2}yr⁻¹) often show non-equilibrium isotope partitioning. The δ¹³C values were ∼− 2.9‰ lower than those calculated for offshore waters under equilibrium conditions. This may be due to low-δ¹³C bottom waters resulting from the degradation of organic matter (OM) or to a contribution of low-δ ¹³C food. In the latter case, a simple mass balance calculation gives a respiration component of 14%. Twelve trace elements of bulk pearl samples were classified into four groups on the basis of their enrichment/depletion patterns relative to seawater and inter-element relationships: group 1, Co, Cr, Pb; group 2, Ba, Cs, U; group 3, Cu, Sn, V, and group 4, Mn, Rb, Mo. Comparison with coral skeletons suggests that Ba and Mn (groups 2 and 4) were definitely much enriched in proteinaceous OM relative to aragonite crystals in pearls and that V (group 3) in pearls showed only slight enrichment in the organicrich layer. By contrast, the other elements showed small differences between both layers (enrichment factor of <3), suggesting that these elements occur largely in aragonite crystals.     

南黄海牡蛎壳元素组成的原位微区分析及环境指示

碳酸盐生物壳体的周期性生长纹层是记录气候环境变化的天然材料。随着原位微区测试技术的快速发展,高分辨率的同位素和化学元素组成的快速分析显著推动了古气候环境变化及生物地球化学研究。应用激光剥蚀等离子体质谱仪（LA-ICP-MS）对南黄海现代牡蛎Crassostrea gigas壳体韧带部的元素组成进行原位微区测试,利用内标元素43Ca进行元素比值的校正,探讨了牡蛎壳中化学元素特征及其环境意义。研究的长牡蛎壳体中Mg/Ca、Sr/Ca、Na/Ca比值具有显著的季节性周期变化。环境水体物理化学性质的变化对壳体生长速率影响较大,壳中白垩质方解石和叶片方解石生长层分别对应较高和较低的环境温度,白垩方解石层具有较高的Mg/Ca、Sr/Ca和较低的Na/Ca比值。Mg/Ca比值可指示牡蛎壳体生长环境水体温度,利用前人Mg/Ca比值公式计算可以恢复与器测资料相符的近岸海水温度结果。本研究对应用LA-ICP-MS分析技术开展高分辨率的生物壳体元素组成和环境示踪研究具有借鉴意义。     

Population genetic diversity and structure of a dominant tropical seagrass,Cymodocea rotundata,in the Western Pacific region

Cymodocea rotundata is an ecologically important tropical pioneer seagrass species distributed in the Indo‐Pacific region. The population genetic diversity and structure of this species were analysed at 46 sites spanning the Philippines, Ryukyu Islands (northern limit) and Hainan Island, by using microsatellite simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Analyses revealed the persistence of C. rotundata likely relies on local population dynamics and fitness influenced by environmental gradients, with sexual reproduction prevalent in the Philippines while the Ryukyu and Hainan populations were predominantly established by clonal spread. Analysis of molecular variance showed significant genetic differentiation (P < 0.001) among three geographic regions: the Philippines, Ryukyu and Hainan. Furthermore, the mean fixation index value was very high (F_ST = 0.36), indicating poor dispersal potential or limited gene flow. Allelic richness and heterozygosity of C. rotundata was comparable in the Philippines and Ryukyu Islands populations. More private alleles were found in the Philippines and excess heterozygotes in the Ryukyu Islands. STRUCTURE analysis revealed that the Ryukyu and Hainan populations were mosaics of admixed alleles of individuals from the Philippines. An assignment test suggested that recruitment occurs from the Northeast Philippines to Ryukyu Islands. These results suggest that the Philippine populations are tropical seagrass hotspots and perhaps the origin of the populations in the Ryukyu and Hainan Islands. This scenario is most likely driven by the Kuroshio Current and island integration events during plate tectonic activities. The Philippine Archipelago is considered of high importance for conservation objectives and management plan of seagrasses. Likewise, the Ryukyu Islands are also important in terms of conserving regional diversity because locally adapted genotypes have important evolutionary potential in the face of environmental change.     

Spatial and seasonal patterns in sighting rate and life-history composition of the white shark Carcharodon carcharias at Mossel Bay,South Africa

White sharks Carcharodon carcharias aggregate at specific times of the year at localities along the South African coast. At Mossel Bay, on the southern Cape coast, four sites were sampled (Seal Island, Hartenbos, Kleinbrak and Grootbrak) to investigate spatial and seasonal patterns in relative abundance and life-history composition. These are known aggregation sites within the bay, each having particular physical and/or biological characteristics. Sightings-per-unit-effort data were collected from February to December 2008–2010. Sighting rates demonstrated significant seasonal and interannual variation at the four sites. The highest mean sighting rate was recorded at Seal Island and the lowest at Hartenbos, which might be a consequence of differences in prey availability. The greatest interannual variability was recorded at Kleinbrak, followed by Seal Island, with little variability at Grootbrak and Hartenbos. White sharks appeared to concentrate at Grootbrak and Kleinbrak in summer and autumn, at Seal Island in winter, and at Hartenbos and Seal Island in spring. All life-history stages were present year-round but their occurrence was influenced significantly by season (p < 0.05), although not site. Few adults (325–424 cm total length) were seen, with the highest frequency being in spring, whereas that of young-of-the-year (≤174 cm) was in autumn. Juveniles (175–324 cm) constituted 78% of the animals sighted, indicating that Mossel Bay is an important aggregation site for this life-history stage.     

Promising signs of regeneration of blue cod and oyster habitat changed by dredging in Foveaux Strait,southern New Zealand

Epifaunal reefs in Foveaux Strait are oyster (Ostrea chilensis Philippi, 1845) habitat. One hundred and thirty years of oyster dredging has diminished the complexity and distribution of these reefs. Commercial densities of blue cod (Parapercis colias (Forster in Bloch and Schneider, 1801)) were discovered on epifaunal reef habitat in 1989 and became the focus of a major blue cod fishery. We document habitat changes that followed the closing of the oyster fishery in 1993 and interactions between the blue cod and oyster fisheries after the oyster fishery was reopened in 1996. Evidence from blue cod fishers and oyster surveys suggests that the benthic habitat of some oyster beds regenerated in the absence of dredging and that the relative density of blue cod, and then oysters, rebuilt to commercial levels. Benthic habitat was modified once more when oyster dredging restarted and the relative density of blue cod on oyster beds fell again. The observations suggest that rotational fishing of oysters could mitigate the effects of dredging on habitat and that marine protected areas could expedite habitat recovery. Increasing habitat complexity and blue cod density on a reef of oyster shells formed by an oyster fisher suggests that habitat enhancement might remedy effects of dredging. The questions raised by the observations could be answered by management experiments on the scale of the fisheries.